As we celebrate this holy season of Christmas during the Jubilee Year 2025, we are reminded of our call to be Pilgrims of Hope. In this sacred time, we are invited to walk together with faith and courage, fanning the flame of hope that has been given to us — a flame first kindled in the humble manger of Bethlehem.
As the Principal of St. Mary Catholic Secondary School in Hamilton, my greatest gift this season is witnessing our students live out the social teachings of our Church in such meaningful and inspiring ways. Since September, our community has come together in charitable campaigns that extend right up until Christmas Day, from food and toy drives supporting local hospices and food banks, to visits to retirement homes where our students are serving those in need by writing Christmas cards, participating in activities, and bringing joy through music and companionship. We are also supporting important causes such as the Catholic Children’s Aid Society’s Give the Gift of Joy campaign. These are only a few examples of how our students embody the true spirit of giving.
To our young people: Christmas is a time to receive the gift of God’s love made visible in Jesus, but it is also a time to give. As you grow older, you will come to realize that the greatest gift of Christmas is not what we find under the tree, but what we give of ourselves — our kindness, our compassion, and our willingness to bring light into someone else’s life.
May your journey as Pilgrims of Hope inspire you to continue spreading joy wherever you go, to give generously from the heart, and to keep that flame of hope burning brightly in our world.
Wishing you and your families a blessed and hope-filled Christmas.
Sofia Palermo
Principal
St. Mary Catholic Secondary School, Hamilton.