My dear young friends,
As we gather here for the anticipated joyous celebration of the Lunar New Year of the Snake, I extend my warmest greetings to each of you. This time of the year is filled with excitement, hope, and the promise of new beginnings. In this letter, I wish to share some reflections and good wishes from a Catholic priest, highlighting the significance of this festive occasion and how it resonates with our faith.
The Lunar New Year is a time of renewal, symbolizing the start of a new cycle. It is a moment when families come together, honouring traditions and celebrating the blessings of the past year while looking forward to the future. This theme of renewal is deeply rooted in our Catholic faith, where we are reminded that in Christ, we are offered new life and hope2.
Just as the earth is renewed with each season, we too are called to embrace the new beginnings that God offers us, allowing His grace to transform our lives3.
During this festive time, it is essential to cherish our families and communities. The love and support we receive from our families reflect the love of God, who is our ultimate Father. Pope John Paul II emphasised the importance of family, stating that it is the foundation of society and a place where love is nurtured4.
As you gather with your loved ones to celebrate this Lunar New Year of the Snake, take a moment to express gratitude for their presence in your life. I read in your School Mission that “Good Hope School puts special emphasis on the Christian values of Love, Hope, Joy and Thanksgiving.” We see that your School teaches gratitude when it reminds you give thanks to God at all times.
This is also an opportunity to extend kindness and service to others, embodying the values of compassion and generosity that are central to our faith. As we contemplate the beauty of this festive season, may this teaching enrich y-our lives for a better now and a brighter future.
The New Year invites us to reflect on our personal growth and spiritual renewal. Jesus teaches us about transformation, urging us to leave behind what no longer serves us and to embrace the new life he offers5.
As you enter this new year, consider setting intentions that align with your faith, whether it be deepening your prayer life, serving your community, or fostering stronger relationships with family and friends.
Online relationships with people or things we even do not personally know are the trend of the day. How about making steps into consolidating offline connections with people who surround us? How about remembering the motto of the School and apply it to your daily life? Each small step can lead to significant change, echoing the message of hope and renewal that the Lunar New Year embodies.
As we celebrate this Lunar New Year of the Snake, I wish you all health, happiness, and prosperity. May this year be filled with blessings, and may you experience the joy of new beginnings in every aspect of your life.
Let us pray for one another, asking God to guide us and fill our hearts with His love and peace. May the spirit of the Lunar New Year inspire us to live out our faith with joy and enthusiasm, sharing the light of Christ with those around us.
In closing, I encourage you to carry the spirit of the New Year into your daily lives. Let this time of celebration remind you of God’s unwavering love and the hope that He offers. As you embark on this new journey, may you find strength in your faith, joy in your relationships, and perseverance in your school life.
Happy New Year! May the Snake’s energy inspire you to achieve your dreams and bring you joy throughout the year. And may Our Lady, the Mother of God, intercede for you and bless you abundantly in the coming year and beyond.
Your friend,
Dominique Mukonda CICM
1. Reworked version of the sharing I gave during the anticipated Lunar New Year Mass for the Students of Good Hope Secondary School, Hong Kong, 24 January 2025. The Title is “A message of Hope”. “Good Hope” is just a reference to the name of the School.
2. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1817.
3. Pope John Paul II, Letter to Children, December 13, 1994.
4. Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Letter to the Bishops of the Catholic Church concerning the Reception of Holy Communion by the Divorced and Remarried Members of the Faithful, 14 September 1994, Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
5. Matthew 9:17
