Vol. XVI
No. 1
JANUARY 2004
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At the beginning of a new year we usually begin by wishing our dear ones the very best and hope also for ourselves too that better things lie ahead. Many would make some resolutions; some succeed in keeping them others may not. There is almost an instinct desire to want to see better tidings, a renewal in all we are and do.
As nature, in its mystery, needs renewal in order to survive, so do organizations, groups, families and people . This renewal demands a sincere openness to the new, it needs hope as well as the will and desire to change. The second Vatican council was a great time of renewal for the entire Church, like every renewal it demanded courage and determination. Moreover what is fundamental in any process of revitalization is the retracing of one’s own roots and origins, going to the source and foundations, it is through such a process that new life and enthusiasm may spring forth. We look to the past as a moment of grace which has set us on a steady course for an ever better tomorrow.
We all need to be regenerated at the many stages of life, or we simply wither and die inside. The Church gives plenty of assistance in this ongoing life process with the sacraments and pastoral action.
Governments too need constant and systematic renewal in order to respond to the demands of their responsibilities and effect good governance. Laws (especially international law) need to be continuously revised and amended in order to be a true instrument of justice at the service of the common good and peace.
The New Year that begins is charged with a strong sense of hope and desire to change and see changes truly happen. The World Day of peace - celebrated on January 1 - symbolizes such hope and will for a renewed, untiring effort to build peace in the world.
And in a final note, you will notice that World Mission too takes renewal seriously! This year begins with a new presentation and contents, in the hope that your reading will be ever more a pleasant and enriching experience and that you may be continually enticed towards a new and stronger commitment to mission and peace in your own life, institution, family and place of work.
May this be a year of solidarity and peace, a truly happy year for all.
Comments, suggestions, opinions?
Write to
Fr Corrado De Robertis
Comboni Mission Center
7885 Segundo Mendoza St.
Sucat,
1715 Parañaque City, MM
Philippines.
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