AMIDST tonight’s parties and fireworks to farewell 2025 and welcome 2026, the head of the Catholic Church, Archbishop Peter Loy Chong, has pleaded for people to reflect on this year’s progress.
“As the clock ticks toward midnight, the world gets loud with fireworks, countdowns, parties, but what if, before the noise, you gave yourself one priceless gift – 10 quiet minutes to review your year with honesty, gratitude, and hope?
“In the Christian tradition, there’s a simple practice called the Ignatian Examen which is usually a daily reflection, but it becomes especially powerful at the end of a year.
“Think of it as a spiritual and emotional ‘year-end review’, a way to reflect on 2025 through God’s eyes.”
Archbishop Loy Chong said before anyone thinks about resolutions or regrets, pause and recognise that we’ve made it this the year.
“Whether you’re a person of faith, secular person or just spiritually curious, take a breath and admit you’ve been carried through days you thought you couldn’t handle.
“You weren’t as alone as you felt. That shift from “I’m on my own” to “I’ve been accompanied” changes everything. You don’t have to power your way into the new year by willpower alone.
“Next, practice gratitude. Ingratitude is the mother of all sins because it forgets that we are loved. The fact that you are reading this, is that you are created by our God’s love. Be grateful!
“Look back and name specific gifts from this year such as a person who stood by you, a job that sustained you, or a change that stretched you, a conversation that lifted you, a moment of beauty either it be sunrise, a song, or a simple meal and a healing moment.”
Archbishop Loy Chong has reiterated that when you embrace your short-comings and vulnerabilities you will encounter something bigger than yourself; you will meet the transformative power of the Creator, the Divine, God with us.
n To read more about Archbishop Loy Chong’s message, buy a copy of your The Fiji Times tomorrow.
