Advent Message from Archbishop Andrew Bellisario, C.M.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

The season of Advent is a time of waiting. We wait the coming of Christ in His glory. We wait to celebrate the Nativity of the Lord. We wait for the end of the calendar year. Waiting brings with it excitement and anticipation, but at the same time, waiting can be difficult, challenging us to practice patience. But waiting also offers an opportunity for reflection. During Advent, the Church challenges us to reflect on the great gift of salvation that has been offered to us by God and the joyful expectation of eternity with Him in heaven. This gift of salvation is what the people of Israel longed for. They did not wait a few weeks or even a few years! They waited for generation after generation, being strengthened by the prophets, until the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. Through joy and sorrow, plenty and want, the faithful of Israel kept watch for the day when the Messiah would come. Their perseverance and patient longing serves as an example to us in our own time of waiting.

This year, Advent is not just a time of waiting to celebrate the Christmas season, but also a time of waiting for the appointment of a bishop for the diocese. Just as there is excitement and anticipation for the coming holidays, there is excitement and anticipation at the prospect of a new bishop. But waiting leaves us anxious. We do not know exactly when the new bishop will be appointed. Like the promise of the coming Messiah for the Israelites, the appointment of a new bishop will happen. As the Apostolic Administrator for the Diocese of Fairbanks, I wait with you.

I look forward to the appointment of a bishop for northern Alaska with anticipation and joyful hope. In the meantime, we continue to wait, and as we wait, we pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide those responsible for choosing your next bishop. For now, though, the mission of the Church continues. I am grateful to the priests, deacons, consecrated religious and lay ministers who work to labor in the vineyard. During the holy season of Advent, I pray that you will prepare yourselves with joyful expectation for the celebration of the Nativity of the Lord, but also the appointment of a shepherd for the diocese.

May the joyful expectation of the Advent season lead you to the wonder of the Nativity and the new year!

Archbishop Andrew E. Bellisario, C.M. Apostolic Administrator