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Bishop Cronin's Christmas Message

Following is Bishop Dal1l­ iel A. Cronin's annual Christmas message to the faithful:

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Once again, we find our­ selves in a joyful and blessed season of the year. Christ­ mas is a time when we re­ flect upon our blessings. Our thoughts turn, naturally, lto giving and sharing with

family, friends and . loved ones. We are surrounded by the signs of the season which invite us to celebrate with a joyful spirit.

reflect upon the words of the prophet Isaiah, to consider the "depth of the knowledge and the wisdom of God." In His infinite goodness and love, Almighty God sent His As Catholics, we ought to Son to take on our humanity approach Christmas with so that we might share more particular fervor and joy, for fully in His divinity. our celebration is to be This year we celebrate marked by a genuine under­ standing of the reality of Christmas within the Holy Christmas. Our celebration Year marking the Jubilee of should direct us t~ pray and our Redemption. It is, there­

fore, all the more appropri­ at~ that we pause to con­ sider the Mystery of the In­ carnation; God becoming man. Jesus' birth at Christ­ mas is only the beginning. Jesus' birth also made oUJr redemption possible, and Jesus' death and resurrec­ tion made our redemption a reality. Our celebration of Christmas, therefore, can­ not be an isolated event. It should become a part of our

FALL RIVER, MASS., FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1983

IN BETHLEHEM nearly 2000 years ago, in Los Angeles today, Christ comes as a defenseless child; in Bethlehem sheltering in a manger, in Los

As Bishop of Fall River, I offer to all 01 you my prayers and personal best wnshes for a joyful and holy Christmas. May Christ's coming be a SOUTce of grace and blessing for you. May the New Year bring you the blessings of health, happi­ ness and peace.

FALL RIVER DIOCESAN NEWSPAPER FOR SOUTHEAST MASSACHUSETTS CAPE COD & THE ISLANDS

t eanc 0 VOL. 27, NO. 50

total conviction that God's love for us is limitless and eternal.

$8 Per Yelll'

Angeles in the arms of a Franciscan friar cradling a newborn while the in­ fant's young mother seeks emergency assistance. How comes He to us?


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