Dear Friends and Parishioners of Saint Patrick,
Resolutions to do more exercise, to work harder, to be more attentive to family and friends. These are just a few examples of what people hope to accomplish with the turning of the calendar and the start of a New Year. This new chapter can often bring a new hope for so many and this is a good thing.
I came across this beautiful prayer from St. Gemma Galgani, an Italian mystic who loved to pray and see the world through the lens of Christ’s passion:
During this New Year I resolve to begin a new life. I do not know what will happen to me during this year. But I abandon myself entirely to you, my God. And my aspirations and all my affections will be for You. I feel weak, dear Jesus, but with Your help I hope and resolve to live a different life, that is, a life closer to You. Amen.
St. Gemma Galgani
May her prayer find a place in our hearts as we begin 2023. We can’t predict what this year will bring but let it be filled with a disciple’s determination to embrace the Lord who accompanies us with each step, every day, over these twelve months and throughout every future chapter of our journey.
May the Mother of God, who said “yes” to a future of unknowns, intercede for us and all of God’s beloved daughters and sons. And may all the saints walk with us in our joys and sorrows, in our moments of strength and weakness, and in our hopes and fears.
Happy New Year!
Fr. Gurnick