Archbishop Leonard P. Blair
As we begin a new year of grace, the Year of Our Lord, 2020 A.D., I wish all our Transcript readers a happy and healthy new year, both spiritually and materially.
Faith tells us that the creation and consummation of everything rest with God. The world and each one of us are on a journey with a purpose. In 2020, we pray every day “thy kingdom come.” But as St. Paul tells us, “It is only through many trials that we come to the kingdom of God,” and that what remains of Christ’s sufferings in his mystical body the Church will only be brought to perfection when all is consummated and God will be “all in all.”
These truths should serve as a frame-work and an inspiration for each of us, and for all of us together as a family of faith in the Archdiocese of Hartford in 2020. Our mission is “in the world but not of it” as we strive to bring one another and everyone to Christ and to a life of faith, hope and charity in him.
Not long ago, at the end of October, the delegates for the archdiocesan synod from every parish and from among our clergy and religious gathered with me for three memorable days. By all accounts, the liturgies, the speakers, the discussion groups and the interaction of the delegates created a dynamic that will continue to move us forward by the power of the Holy Spirit.
As 2020 begins, we are still living the archdiocesan synod that will culminate with the celebration of a Mass at the Oakdale Theatre on Pentecost Sun., May 31, with representation from every parish. On that occasion, I will issue a “Pastoral Letter” that addresses the hopes, concerns and recommendations of the synod delegates so that together, as an archdiocese, we can fulfill our Church’s mission from Christ, here and now.
We face many challenges in society and in the Church, but as our synod speakers made clear by their words and their witness, we will fulfill the Church’s mission in our day if we remain close to Christ and have trust in his power to act and to save.
Our synod prayer puts it this way: “May the synod inspire us to missionary discipleship, so that filled with the faith and boldness of the apostles and first Christians, we may draw others to you, Lord Jesus, and to your body and bride, the Church.”
So begins the Year of Our Lord, 2020. I invite you to be engaged personally in the life and mission of your parish and the archdiocese, beginning with some straightforward but profound questions. Ask yourself: “Who is Jesus, and how am I different for having believed in him?” and, “Why am I a Catholic?” God bless you.