The changing of one year into another is a good time for reflection, more particularly as one gets older, which is the present stage of my life.

It’s also a good time to reach out to people important in one’s life, as I’m reaching out to you – with warm wishes to you and your loved ones for 2023.

My reflection is one of ongoing gratitude. Gratitude – which I’ve shared with you in the past – for the gift of life, and the family that I was born into. Gratitude for my education, my vocation, and my family of confreres in the Church. Gratitude for being able to serve God’s people on the Missions.

This foundation has given me the gift of knowing you, interacting with you, and being the recipient of your support, both spiritually and materially. This is a privilege for which I’m enormously grateful, and I thank you from my heart.

The past few years have been difficult ones around the globe, and in many instances continue to be so. But every new year brings a clean calendar, a time of fresh opportunities to make our personal mark for peace and positive change.

As Mother Teresa said: “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love”. Doing small things with great love is within the power of each of us, so let us continue to do those small things, to spread our love, and also our gratitude.

God bless you, and all those you hold dear, in this new year of 2023.