“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (Jn 1,14).

My Dear Brothers and the whole Family of Saint John of God,

The Apostle's proclamation comes as a shock: something new happened in history – God wanted to become more closely involved with the whole of humanity, and particularly the most vulnerable, suffering and needy people, to bring comfort and hope to every one of them. His language of tenderness, freely-given love and boundless mercy has made it possible for Him to reach out to all people, even the most distant, and with His act of love He overpowers all human desires.

God's choices always surprise us. He, ‘the mystery hidden for ages’ (Col 1:26), revealed Himself in a cave or in a simple stable, for there was no place for them in the inn: this is how the King of kings, the only-begotten Word of the Father, the Saviour of the world, was born in time. Laid in a manger, among straw and animals. An emergency birth, at best. With Joseph and Mary, far from home. They had had to leave Nazareth in the north of Palestine, and journey south, because of the census decreed by the emperor of Rome – that great and powerful emperor who ruled from his opulent and luxurious palaces. Joseph and Mary did not even have a place to stay in Bethlehem, after having endured what must have been an uncomfortable journey. And still today, even in spite of two thousand years of Christian history, we still unfortunately have to witness so much violence, pain and indifference that seem to override the powerful message of salvation and love that God entrusted to us by His birth.

Dearly beloved brothers and sisters, the experience of the poverty of humility and self-giving that Jesus taught us was seized on by our Founder, St John of God, who to this very day continues to urge us to remain faithful to the command to care for the most vulnerable: the sick, the marginalised poor and the needy.

God's way of doing things that Christmas also points us to the road we are being urged to boldly choose and tread; it makes it very clear which paths we have to follow in order to continue the work of John of God, by caring for one another, and cherishing each person who is suffering and in need.

As I said in my closing address to the 70th General Chapter, “In a world that is changing at an unprecedented pace, it is essential to return to the source of our commitment. The message of the Gospel and the example of our founder, St. John of God, invite us to be boldly radical and with radiant simplicity.” To do this, we must draw daily on an authentic spiritual life, nourished by prayer, discernment and fraternal support. Together, let us live up to the spirit of our baptismal and religious consecration, so that our every action will bear the imprint of the love of the Word.

May the spirit of Christmas open our eyes and hearts and enable them to see the new forms of vulnerability and suffering, and take effective action consistently with the charism of John of God. We are not meant to pass people by; our focus must be on people with mental health problems, the most marginalised, the homeless and those who are reaching the end of their lives. May our care stand out by our humanity, but also by our humility and deep spirituality, respecting each person's dignity and freedom. With the Brothers and Co-workers standing together, the future of our Order will depend on our ability to embody the principles and values of hospitality, boldly, respectfully, inclusively and with determination. May the Holy Spirit enlighten and strengthen us, so that every act we perform in our mission will radiate the love and the hospitality of Christ Himself.

This Christmas, the Holy Father Pope Francis will be launching the Ordinary Jubilee Year 2025. In the Bull of Indiction: ‘Spes non confundit’, ‘hope does not put us to shame’ (Rm 5:5), the Pope wishes hope to be the key message of the Jubilee. We, as the Family of John of God, also wish to kindle and fan the flames of this Christian hope that springs from the love and the pierced Heart of Jesus, the very love on which Saint John of God drew to be given his merciful eyes and offer hope to all those he met. Let us endeavour to ensure that the hospitality we share, as Brothers and Co-workers, will fill all our care centres with the light of hope and make them bear good fruit.

Speaking personally, and on behalf of the General Government, I wish the whole Family of Saint John of God and all the people being cared for in our Centres and their loved ones a Merry Christmas and a Happy Jubilee Year 2025!

Brother Pascal Ahodegnon, O.H.