Friday, December 19th 2025 Established 1905 27 Brickdam, Stabroek, Georgetown, Guyana Year 120, No. 49
To welcome another is to make room for God His Lordship Bishop Francis Alleyne OSB has given the following Christmas message :
Christmas Message: A Season of Welcome The word welcome is defined in the Oxford Dictionary as “an instance or manner of greeting someone; a pleased or approving reaction; used to greet someone in a glad or friendly way.” As a verb, it means “to greet in a glad, polite, or friendly way; to be glad to receive or hear of.” As an adjective, it speaks of something “gladly received, very pleasing because it is much needed or desired; allowed or invited to a specific place or experience.”
In the days leading up to Christmas, during our Novena, and in the days that follow, we hear the Gospel readings from the Evangelists Matthew, Luke, and John. These sacred texts invite us into the profound moments surrounding the birth of Jesus. Throughout these narratives, the theme of welcome is strikingly present. Mary welcomes the invitation of the Angel Gabriel; Elizabeth welcomes Mary, and together these two women welcome and rejoice in the anticipated birth of their children. Even the unborn John welcomes the unborn Jesus with a leap of joy. The shepherds welcome the angelic proclamation, the Magi welcome and respond to the signs written in the heavens, and Mary and Joseph welcome the visitors who come to the humble stable. (please turn to page 2)
INSIDE Bethlehem holds first Christmas tree lighting since 2022 - p2 Christmas crib, tree are signs of hope, pope says - p3 Bishop’s Engagements - p3 Christmas party for Hispanic children at Kuru Kururu - p4 Caribbean bishops issue letter on Closing of Jubilee Year 2025 - p5 Christmas Scripture - p7 Children’s Page - p8 Vatican Christmas concert with the poor - p9 Aishalton Creative Arts Sunday - p9 Growing in Grace Week 75 -p10 Vatican publishes summary of 60 years of Catholic-Methodist dialogue - p11 First Communion at Kopinang - p11 The story behind ‘Silent Night’- p12 Christians should work on joint Jubilee in 2033 - p13 Festival of Carols 2025 - p14 God wants all people to be saved, Pope says at Jubilee of Prisoners - p15 Journey to Bethlehem - A Jubilee Christmas Celebration on the East Bank - p16
Next Issue January 9th This is the last publication for 2025. The first issue of the New Year will be on Friday January 9th 2026.
Have a Blessed & Joyful Christmas
A scene from the Grade 1 & Nursery Christmas Concert at Marian Academy, Wed. December 10th 2025 (Marian Academy FB)