New Year’s Message from Fr Ray Husband

Dec 31, 2020

On 24 November 1992, Queen Elizabeth II gave a speech at the Guildhall London to mark the 40th anniversary of her accession to the throne. In her speech the Queen referred to recent events as part of an ‘annus horribilis’.

She went on to say that “1992 is not a year on which I shall look back with undiluted pleasure”. Given the year that has just ended I suspect there are many of us who can identify with those sentiments.

2020 has been a year like none other in recent history. The Covid-19 pandemic has brought death, suffering and economic hardships to millions of people across our world especially to the poor and vulnerable in the developing world.

Once again it is the poor in counties like Peru, Pakistan and Myanmar who have carried heavy burdens during this pandemic. Columbans have tried to ease their burdens by standing in solidarity with them and in practical ways by sustaining food and health programmes.

Over the last year we have seen ordinary men and women do extraordinary things. Our frontline workers give selflessly of themselves in caring for the sick and those affected by Covid-19. We have seen neighbours, young and old alike, reach out to fellow neighbours in particular to the elderly and those forced into social isolation.

Through simple acts of kindness such as shopping for the elderly or calling to the door or window for a chat they have shared hope, friendship, and care. To quote Fr Tom O’Reilly, “The self-sacrifice of those caring for the most vulnerable during the pandemic is a strong antidote to the individualism and self-centredness which too often lead to the neglect of suffering humanity today.”

In his New Year message last year Pope Francis stressed the importance of hope. He quoted the beautiful blessing found in the Book of Numbers 6: 22-26: “The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”

The Pope stresses that hope is the virtue that inspires us and keeps us moving forward, even when obstacles seem insurmountable.

As we begin this New Year, there is still so much uncertainty around. We draw strength from the truth that God never abandons us. For Pope Francis, there is no more meaningful time than the beginning of a new year to hear those words of blessing.

May they inspire us and bless us and may we find strength, courage and hope on our journey throughout 2021.

I wish all of you a happy and blessed New Year.

Fr Raymond Husband
Regional director, Ireland

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