Christmas strengthens our faith in Christ, says Orissa Archbishop

(Dec. 19, 2012) In the Year of Faith, Orisssa Christians must "be focused, re-energized, and re-committed to renew the mission and build the Kingdom of God”, Archbishop John Barwa of Cuttack-Bhubaneshwar said in an interview on Monday to Asianews. Asked what was his message for Christmas, the prelate said “ I wish and pray that all may have a Joyous Christmas, and let joy and peace experienced during Christmas, remain with us every day of the New Year 2013.” He said “Despite the destruction wrought by anti-Christian pogroms in 2007 and 2008 faith in God has remained firm. I am also confident that we have grown as an Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar and we thank God for His continuous blessings,support and accompaniment” he added. Asked what is the significance of the Year of Faith for his Archdiocese?
Archbishop Barwa said that after the anti-Christian pogroms in Kandhamal, the efforts of his priests and nuns are involved in making communities grow united and stronger in their faith. “May we step into the New Year 2013 with new hopes and renewed enthusiasm as we still have miles to go. The need of the hour is to have a firm faith and total trust in Our Lord "the way, the truth and the life" he concluded. .