The birth of Jesus is the most powerful sign and message of hope in a world darkened by the shadows of fear and uncertainty. Each year, Vatican Radio brings you the voices of religious leaders and heads of Christian charitable organizations as they reflect upon the transformative power of the Good News that “Christ is born!” Today’s message comes from Fra’ John Dunlap, Lieutenant of the Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.
“The birth of Jesus is the strongest message of hope,” says Fra’ John Dunlap, since June the Lieutenant of the Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. In his Message for Christmas 2022, Fra’ John says, “Christmas is the beginning of a new life for the entire world,” reminding us that “at the core of Christmas is that God is with us always.”
It is a time, he says, that “we cherish for caring for one another, sharing hope and faith.”
Listen to Fra’ John Dunlap’s Christmas Message for 2022
Fra’ John Dunlap’s Message for Christmas 2022
It is with great joy that I wish the listeners of Vatican radio a Happy Christmas.
We live in challenging times which are tainted by multiple crises and emergencies unfolding in different corners of the world. But let us be reminded that the birth of Jesus is the strongest message of hope. Christmas is the beginning of a new life for the entire world. At the core of Christmas is the understanding that God is with us always. It is a time we cherish for caring for one another, sharing hope and faith.
This is what the Order of Malta, one of the oldest Catholic religious orders, does and has been doing for 10 centuries. We bring relief and support to those who need it most. We operate in urban areas as well as in active battle zones, bringing relief and first aid. We help the poor and the needy, providing medical and social support, never overlooking spiritual needs in addition to material ones. We treat the sick and provide solace in dire social settings in six continents. The 900-year-old motto of the Order of Malta, Tuitio Fidei et Obsequium Pauperum – witnessing the faith and serving the poor and sick – has never been stronger than today.
I send my best wishes for a joyous and holy Christmas to you and your families.
Fra’ John T. Dunlap
Lieutenant of the Grand Master
of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta
Pope Francis receives Fra’ John Dunlap shortly after appointing him Lieutenant of the Grand Master
