Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As we joyfully welcome the Year of the Snake, I extend my warmest greetings to everyone celebrating this Lunar New Year. This Year is especially significant as it coincides with the Jubilee’s theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” It invites us to grow in our personal relationship with God.
In 2025, we are also commemorating the 25th anniversary of the canonization of the Chinese Martyrs, whose unwavering faith continues to inspire us. Their steadfastness encourage us to live as courageous witnesses of Jesus Christ, fostering a sense of community and increasing the faith of us all.
During this Year of the Snake, let’s embrace the virtues of wisdom, resilience, and transformation. May we seek the wisdom that comes from God, draw strength from His grace, and open our hearts to the transformation that only Jesus Christ can bring.
The Lunar New Year is also a time of joy and reflection, marked by gatherings with family, thanksgiving for blessings, and prayers for peace. It also allows us to renew our relationships with one another and with the Lord himself.
Here in the Archdiocese of Vancouver, we are blessed by the rich cultural heritage and faith found in our Asian communities. For many, these traditions, combined with their Catholic faith, have been passed on for generations. They remind us that Jesus Christ is “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
With warm greetings and invoking the Lord’s blessing upon you and your families, I remain
J. Michael Miller, CSB
Archbishop of Vancouver