Christmas Greetings from the JMV

December 23, 2003

Dear friends in JMV and the Vincentian Family,

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU!

As we celebrate one
Christmas after another, let us never forget to live our days
throughout the year always near to the child Jesus, cherishing Him in
our hearts so that Bethlehem is always near to us, even if more than
2000 years have passed since the first Christmas. In the last week, I
have entered two churches here in Madrid which had a statue of a young
St. Vincent carrying a baby in his arms. I feel that seeing this has
not just been mere coincidence.

I have been used to seeing a much
older St. Vincent, with small children holding on to his hand or
vestments, but seeing this young St. Vincent with a baby in his arms
reminded me of how we carry God’s own child each time we lovingly
embrace a little child close to our heart, each time we comfort those
in need (of affection, of understanding, of attention, of food…) by
looking closely to their eyes and expressing our care for them… let
us in this Christmas season take the time to really look at each
other’s eyes closely and transmit the Love that came down at Christmas
time.

Please find attached our newsletter for November. May this exchange of
information bring us to a better knowledge and appreciation of our
different gifts for the service of the poor. Wishing you all the best
in your work and may God bless you always!

Much love and prayers,
Ana

Ana Maria P. Escaño
JMV International Secretariat
Madrid, Spain
Email: amescano@telefonica.net
Web site: www.secretariadojmv.org