Exiit qui seminat

"Far into the night, at the coldest time of the year, in a chilly grotto, more suitable for a flock of beasts than for humans, the promised Messiah – Jesus – the savior of mankind, comes into the world in the fullness of time." ~ St. Pio of Pietrelcina

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

On behalf of the whole parish family of St. Padre Pio, I want to offer my heartfelt welcome and thanks that you've decided to spend Christmas with us.  Literally "Christ's Mass", Christmas is more than just the celebration of Jesus' birthday.  Christmas is the reality that God, out of His tremendous love for us, became one of us, not just to share in our human condition, but to be able to enter into it and heal the damage caused by the original disobedience of Adam and Eve.  By His coming into the world, Christ transforms existence forever and offers us a chance to participate in His plan of salvation.  Christmas, and all it represents, is not just celebrated on the 25th of December but for 8 whole days, and the Christmas season lasts until the Baptism of the Lord on January 9th.  This celebration and our Lord's desire and longing for us is a choice.  God never forces Himself upon us, but invites us this Christmas season to share in His life and love.  It is my hope and prayer that our celebration of Christ's birth touches all of our hearts so that we may love and serve Him, His Church and one another more and more each day.  May our Lord bless you and your family and I wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy and Holy New Year!

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Rob Sinatra