One just wonders how fast and quick the year 2018 moved on from days after days and month after months and got into the precious pages of human history ushering us all to the year 2019. As we welcome the New Year, let us raise our hearts and minds thanking God Almighty first for His providence, benevolence and blessings for leading us throughout the year that just passed by surrendering ourselves to Him once again to be with us as our Emmanuel throughout the year 2019 to do His will, proclaim His Kingdom and witness to His Gospel values with courage, zeal and enthusiasm. Let us also thank all those who have been good to us in one way or the other in 2018 and appreciate their role played in our lives to make it more meaningful, beautiful and even dignified.
The Holy Mother the Church opens the new day of the New Year honouring the Mother of God thereby offering her as the Mother of the whole world. The solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God is the best way what the Church can do for us as she entrusts all her children to the loving care and protection of Mary the Mother of Jesus at the dawn of the New Year.
May therefore all the days of the year 2019 be of peace and happiness for all under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God so that being safe in her protective embrace, we may be able to live in peace and harmony with one and all promoting human dignity and respecting each other as God’s loving children.
Peace-filled joyous New Year 2019 to you all.
XGerald Isaac Lobo
Bishop of Udupi