“Every good endowment and every perfect gift is from
above” (Jas. 1:17)

Dear brothers and sisters,

In this time of grace, we once again celebrate the mystery of the Incarnation: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (Jn. 1:14). God becomes our neighbour, entering into the frailties and hopes of humanity. In a suffering world, the birth of Jesus reminds us that God is not distant, but near: he comes and manifests himself in our humanity. As the prophet Isaiah says, “the people who walked in darkness saw a great light” (Is 9:1).  This light is Christ, hope for a wounded humanity.

For us Camillians; this call to hope is translated into concrete action. We are sent to witness to God’s incarnate love by serving the sick, bringing comfort to the suffering and becoming instruments of peace and reconciliation. St. Camillus, in his time, taught us that caring for the sick is more than service: it is a visible sign of God’s mercy. This year, with the Jubilee of the Church Pilgrims of Hope and the Jubilee of the Conversion of our Founder, conquered by Christ we are invited to experience a renewed conversion of heart. In a world that often forgets the most fragile, we are called to be a living presence of the Gospel, to work with compassion and competence, bringing hope for those who suffer. In this time marked by so many global challenges, we pray that Christmas will be an occasion of spiritual rebirth for all. May Child Jesus, prince of peace (Is 9:5), inspire in the powerful the will to build a more just world and in each of us the courage to be builders of fraternity. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God” (Mt 5:9).

I wish you a Christmas lived in faith, hope and solidarity. May the Lord, through our ministry, make
his love visible, bringing light where there is darkness, peace where there is conflict and comfort
where there is suffering.

A Holy Christmas and a happy jubilee year to all of you!

With affection and prayer,

Rome, December 22, 2024
Fr. Pedro Tramontin
Superior General