Posted November 26, 2018

Dear Friends:

As the Jewish community observes Hanukkah, the beautiful “Festival of Lights,” I extend to all of you my prayerful best wishes, as well as the neighborly greetings of your Philadelphia area Catholic sisters and brothers.

In our part of the world, at this time of the year, nature causes darkness to predominate more and more during the course of the day.  As a result, we crave the light.  It is the same at the level of our hearts and souls.  The spiritual darkness of our times is terribly evident in such evils as uncivil societal discourse, assaults on human dignity like racism, and most recently, the horrific attacks in Pittsburgh on religious worshippers.  We need heavenly light to see us through. May this year’s “Festival of Lights” be a singular inspiration to guide everyone through the darkness of our times.

Once again, please be assured of my best wishes!