AoB/Cir 08 2023

Dear Priests, Deacons, Religious and the Faithful of the Archdiocese of Bulawayo,

1. Christmas 2023:

Against the background of El Nino that is affecting us, we are celebrating Christmas this year. There are lot of fears and anxieties in our minds especially people living in rural areas where they depend on rain for their livelihoods. Across many countries of various regions there are wars, displacements, starvation etc. We can only hope for the best. Christmas is a celebration of the fulfilment of the hope of all people.

For us Catholics we have to be a people of hope amidst any challenge. It is our faith that gives us hope. According to St. Paul "hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit" (Rom 5,5). This should be the message we carry as Catholics wherever we go. Let us be messengers of hope as Jesus came to bring us hope by His birth.

I wish you all many blessings of the feast of Christmas. May Christ grant us new hope and strength to begin the year 2024 so that as per our pastoral theme we can be co-responsible in all that we do in our families and in the Church even amidst many challenges. This is my prayer for you this year.

2. Gratitude:

As the year 2023 has come to an end I wish to thank all the priests, deacons, religious, leaders and the faithful for the wonderful participation and contributions towards the success of the Church here in Bulawayo. Amidst the many economic and social challenges you have kept us going. May God bless your generosity and cheerfulness.

3. Pastoral Resolutions 2024:

This will be sent to you as soon as we begin the new year. Let us implement all the resolutions so that all of us can move forward with same vision, spiritually and pastorally.

"The Christmas manger, the first message of the divine Child, tells us that God is with us; He loves us and He seeks us."
- Pope Francis -

HAPPY CHRISTMAS

Sincerely
+ Alex Thomas
Archbishop of Bulawayo