Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Once again, I have the pleasure of conveying my prayers and best wishes to the Asian Catholic community in the Archdiocese of Vancouver as you prepare to celebrate the Lunar New Year on Tuesday, Feb 1.

I pray that our Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and other Asian communities will have a joy-filled celebration of the Year of the Tiger, an animal associated in Chinese tradition with braveness, confidence, and displaying great levels of willpower.

All these characteristics will serve us well as we begin to emerge from the crippling pandemic that has brought so much hardship to society. Into this difficult situation Jesus is calling us to preach the Gospel “to the ends of the earth.” This may be challenging especially now when so many are discouraged and weary. But it is all the more important when so many are suffering from isolation, anxiety, and loneliness. It is possible by trusting in Jesus who assures us that that any prayer offered in his name would be heard by his Father.  

Through perseverance in prayer and trust in God’s graciousness – exhibiting the braveness and confidence of the tiger, if you will – we can carry out the mission of proclaiming the Gospel that Jesus has entrusted to us.

I ask you to keep in your prayers the plight of Christians facing persecution in China and around the world. Let us also pray that as we see tensions escalate in Europe, the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Prince of Peace, will help bring about a peaceful conclusion.

May you and your loved ones have a joyous celebration of the Lunar New Year and a blessed Year of the Tiger. Gong Hei Fat Choy!

With cordial greetings and invoking the Lord’s blessing upon you and your families, I remain

Sincerely yours in Christ,

+ J. Michael Miller, CSB
Archbishop of Vancouver

(Photo courtesy of St. Francis Xavier Parish 2019)