Dear Parents,

 

All of us have perhaps had the experience of receiving "disappointing" gifts. As children, we might have hoped for a particular toy, but instead received something else. On these occasions, our parents probably had to remind us to remember our manners and to say "thank you" with as much enthusiasm as possible.

 

Gratitude is an art; it is a virtue which requires practice.  As we celebrate Thanksgiving next week, let us take the opportunity to spend some time to ponder and offer thanks for the many blessings in our lives.

 

In particular, I encourage all of us to reflect on the gift of our families.  When speaking at the Festival of Families last year during his visit to the United States, Pope Francis said that "one of the most beautiful mysteries of the Christian faith" is that "God did not want to come into the world other than through a family....The family is the great blessing, the great gift of God who did not want to abandon us to the solitude of a life without others, without challenges, without a home....As Christians, we appreciate the beauty of the family and of family life as the place where we come to learn the meaning and value of human relationships.  We learn that 'to love someone is not just a strong feeling - it is a decision, it is a judgement, it is a promise.'"

 

Family life is indeed one of the greatest blessings from God - it is also a blessing which is very demanding.  Sometimes, it takes great effort to show love, to forgive or to receive forgiveness, to keep giving our time and energy when we feel overwhelmed with work or disappointments.  Dear parents, I know that, daily, you carry many stresses.  Please know that God is with you and walks with you.  Please remember to offer your family - your children and spouse - to Him every day.

 

A life of deep prayer is the prerequisite for an attitude of gratitude.  Prayer opens the eyes of our hearts to recognize God's loving hands in all that comes to us each day and at every stage of our life; it enables us to give thanks even for the challenges which, at present, we can only trust to be for our ultimate good and sanctification. 

 

With prayers for a blessed Thanksgiving with your family and loved ones,

Sister Mary Jacinta, O.P.

Principal