A message from Fr John

The Catholic Church recognizes in other religions that search, among shadows and images, for the God who is unknown yet near since he gives life and breath and all things and wants all men to be saved. Thus, the Church considers all goodness and truth found in these religions as "a preparation for the Gospel and given by him who enlightens all [people] they may at length have life."

Diwali is a five day festival, of which Diwali Day is the third. It falls, this year, on 14th November. Different days of the festival centre on different stories  such as the return of Lord Krishna from exile (his way marked by oil lamps, diyas, which give the festival its name), and the welcoming of the goddess of fortune, Laksmi, into homes. These are, respectively, marked with fireworks, and the drawing of rangoli, traditional patterns. The overarching theme of Diwali is the victory of light over darkness, of good over evil - fitting for the times we find ourselves in. 

Like all festivals, this, too, will be shaped by the restrictions due to COVID 19. Just as we are unable at the present to gather together for Mass, our Hindu and Sikh sisters and brothers are unable to join in worship or in extended home gatherings. Let us keep them in prayer.