CHRISTMAS APPEAL

The following is the 2024 Christmas Appeal Letter from Abbot Gregory Boquet, O.S.B.:

Dear Friends,

“On Bethlehem night, the Redeemer becomes one of us. Let us take the hand He stretches out to us; it is a hand which seeks to take nothing from us, but only to give.” In these words of Pope Benedict XVI, taken from a Christmas Urbi et Orbi address, the mystery of the Incarnation is summed up: In the birth of Christ, God reaches out to humanity in an act of pure unselfish love, giving every­thing to us and asking nothing of us.

Here at Saint Joseph Abbey, we have experienced that outstretched hand of God in many ways. We especially see God’s hand in the goodness and kindness of you, our alumni, oblates, friends and benefactors. Time after time, you have stretched out your hands and joined us in the work and mission of the Abbey and Seminary College.

This Christmas, we are asking for your help with a special project that will enhance the beauty of our liturgical celebrations as well as Dom Gregory deWit’s highly acclaimed artwork on the walls of the Abbey Church. The current lighting system has not been upgraded since the church’s renovation in the late 1990s. Since that time many advancements have been made, and the upgrades, which are desperately needed, will provide better lighting for the monks as they gather for prayer several times a day, especially at night. Better lighting is also needed to illuminate the murals on the walls and apse. We invite you to participate with a gift to help fray these expenses.

During this most holy season, we pray that you and your family be touched and blessed in a special way by God’s outstretched hand. May his pure unselfish love fill you and your loved ones throughout the coming New Year.

Sincerely Yours in Christ,
Abbot Gregory Boquet, O.S.B.

***

Click here to donate.

- OR -

Make a check payable to the Saint Joseph Abbey and mail to:

Saint Joseph Abbey and Seminary College
75376 River Road
St. Benedict, LA 70457
Attn: Christmas Appeal

Questions? Contact Debb De Noux at 985-867-2264 or ddenoux@sjasc.edu.