December 25, 2005
On behalf of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, I am honored to extend my warmest greetings to so many of you, our friends well beyond the borders of the Bronx!
It was not a year ago when the friars began to beg for your prayers for our Fr Benedict who was severely injured and on the brink of death. Thanks to those prayers, the dark and uncertain days slowly became lightened and illumined as his recovery took root. Now together we share in his continued health and well-being. From the daily medical updates, “From the Friars” was born. We are ever grateful that our simple spiritual reflections have been a help to so many of you.
I personally am looking forward to celebrating Christmas with the friars – a lot of prayer and a lot of food! Yet in the midst of the celebration, there is a subtle sadness which silently sits in the corner of my heart knowing that so many – too many – have little idea what the singing and celebration is all about. For these, December 26, instead of being a beginning, is an end. For these all that remains is piles of wrapping paper and listless ribbon. It is sad to see that in the few days after Christmas, still fresh pine trees will lie like dead bodies next to garbage bags and bins on a street corner. Yes for these all the excitement is over and all the lights unplugged.
Yet for others, may we be blessed to be in their company, the day after Christmas is merely a beginning of an entire season of celebration. In fact, Mother Church insists that we continue to sing and celebrate with wine and rich fare. Christian families are called to rejoice because Christ has come.
For you who pray for us, support us, and speak well of us – your friendship is a great Christmas gift to us. Again it is my honor to greet you and promise you the prayers of all the friars not only on this holy day but in the days and weeks to come.
To those who are mourning the loss of loved ones, know what you are especially in our hearts as we celebrate our Christ Mass in the Bronx today! God bless you all.
Fr. Glenn Sudano, CFR
Community Servant, residing at St. Felix Friary in Yonkers
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