Director's Letter

  
   
                                                                                                                                                November 2019
Dear friends of St Anthony,
 
     November is a great month for celebrations. We begin it right away with the Solemnity of All the Saints on the first and then continue with the commemoration of the dead on the second, while toward the end we celebrate the national Thanksgiving Holiday. Religious and secular celebrations are important moments that mark our calendar, not because we want an excuse for merrymaking, but more so that we will not forget to appreciate the wonderful ways we have been blessed in the presence of hardship.
 
      Consider for instance the Solemnity of all the Saints, which is a celebration of victory over every form of human struggle. It teaches us that there is an ultimate triumph of good over evil, where the power of grace turns the worst situation into a blessing - as particularly demonstrated in the witness of countless martyrs. The Commemoration of the Dead the following day is also another celebration of life, not only for its joyful moments, but especially so during the treasured but often difficult final days of our loved ones. Such period of brave companionship with them certainly deserves to be remembered! The tradition of Dia de Los Muertes among the Hispanics marks this day with colorful streamers hung from windows and candy skulls that are placed on make shift altars which display the pictures of deceased family and friends. It is an expression of joy and hope beyond bereavement. The Thanksgiving holiday on the other hand at the end of the month is great way to honor the fruits of hard work and the primacy of family. Despite everyone’s hectic schedule, we all take time to pause and relish each other’s company because there’s simply no place like home.
 
      I hope that the month of November affords us many other reasons to celebrate. It may sound ambitious but we make this our aim at the Shrine of St Anthony: that every day be a celebration of God’s goodness and love. With that in mind, I gratefully acknowledge the many good work faithfully done by our prayer partners, the Companions of St Anthony, the shrine staff, benefactors and friends who constantly make this place special by their presence and contribution. I certainly enjoin you to keep on counting your blessings during this special month of remembrances - with all the saints, both living and deceased.
 
     God bless you,
 
     Fr Eric