It is at this time of year that, as usual, our community is deeply involved in preparing children, both at school and in the parish, for the end of the 2025 school year. It is a much-anticipated time, not only for us but also for parents. The end of the school year is an important moment for families, because it allows them to see how much their children have grown, both academically and spiritually. It is a deeply moving moment, full of tears of joy and looks of hope that we can clearly see in the parents’ eyes.

For us who accompany these children on their educational journey, it is also a source of great joy and pride to see the fruits of our labour reflected in the children’s results, as well as in the collaboration and constant support of their parents. In this spirit, the words of St Paul come to mind: “When we have done our duty, we say to ourselves: we are useless servants”.

This is our Advent journey with the schoolchildren, in the parish and wherever we carry out our mission. We ourselves are witnesses to the living Hope in the One who inspires and sustains us in this time of waiting. We prepare our hearts to welcome the One who is coming through forgiveness. We prepare ourselves so that the One who is coming may be born in the depths of our hearts.

During our spiritual exercises, we gathered and reflected on our entire jubilee journey. It was a moment of deep meditation, experienced from different perspectives, like a pilgrimage of hope. We rediscovered how God has been, is, and will always be present in us.

May the Incarnation of the Son of God bring us joy, peace, and serenity.

Happy Christmas from our mission in Samoa.