As this fall semester draws to a close, I know that all of us are ready for a much-needed break. The end of the semester is one of the busiest times of the year. As grades are handed in and our offices close for the year, I hope that you will have time in the coming days to relax, recharge and enjoy your families and friends.
I was glad to see how our Mendoza Atrium has become a gathering and studying space for our students, and I’m grateful for our facilities and operations team who created a beautiful environment, with the Christmas trees, the Nativity scene and the fireplace.
In a recent message, Pope Francis wrote about the Christmas tree and Nativity. The tree with its lights, he writes, “reminds us of Jesus who comes to illuminate our darkness,” and that we, like trees, need to be rooted in order to be steadfast amid difficulties, uncertainty and fear. The Christmas tree, therefore, is a symbol of being rooted in Jesus Christ.
The Nativity scene invites us to contemplate the “smallness” and humility of God who chose to be born in poverty — a proscription against the commercialism and busyness that are all too often a part of Christmas. Pope Francis reminds us,
“In its genuine poverty, the Nativity scene helps us rediscover the true richness of Christmas, and purify ourselves of the many aspects that pollute the Christmas landscape. Simple and familiar, the Nativity scene recalls a Christmas that is different from the consumerist and commercial Christmas: it is something else. It reminds us how good it is for us to cherish moments of silence and prayer during our days, which are often overwhelmed by frenzy.”
As we gather with loved ones this Christmas, may the traditions of the tree and the Nativity — or “roots and contemplation” — help us to rediscover the joys of faith, peace and prayer.
I am so very thankful for your hard work and caring efforts on behalf of the College throughout the year. I hope you will have a wonderful break, and may we look forward to the New Year with refreshed spirits and renewed hope.
Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2023!
In Notre Dame,
Martijn