Thanksgiving message from Bishop Wester

Friday, Nov. 28, 2014

Over the past several weeks, I have had many opportunities to reflect on the original celebration of Thanksgiving in the United States, when the Pilgrims gathered around the table with the Native Americans who befriended them after they came to these shores. Of course, we all know that the Pilgrims were immigrants seeking freedom from oppression, but that knowledge has particular meaning to me now because of my recent experiences.

From Nov. 17-21, I had the privilege of attending the seventh World Congress of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral care of Migrants and Itinerant People, in Rome. The Congress brought together almost 300 people from around the world who assist our Holy Father in his role as universal pastor of the Catholic Church. We spoke about cooperation and development between immigrants and those countries through which they transit and in which they finally settle. 

After the conference, I traveled with Kevin Appleby, the Director of Migration Policy and Public Affairs for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, to Sicily and Malta. Both islands are destinations for immigrants fleeing war, famine and persecution in different parts of Africa. We talked with the immigrants and also with those who assist them, mainly from Jesuit relief services, the local Catholic churches and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

While hearing the plight of the refugees and talking with those who help them, one of the themes that kept coming back to me was how grateful I am for the countless blessings that God has given to me and to so many of us in our great country. I pray with even more humble gratitude in thanksgiving for my faith, for my family, for my friends and for all of the benefits that I experience living in the United States of America. 

How easy it is for us to take hearth and home for granted, not fully appreciating what a beautiful grace it is to be part of a loving and supportive family, parish, community and country! As we gather around our Thanksgiving tables this year, I hope that we can all remember those who do not have a home, much less a table of plenty. I pray that we appreciate all of the blessings God has given us, and that we are inspired to share those blessings with others, especially those who are on the move and who long for the simple comforts of home and the kind of Thanksgiving meals so many of us will share this Thanksgiving.

May God bless you all, and please know how grateful I am to be your shepherd and your brother.

 

Sincerely yours in Christ,

+The Most Rev. John C. Wester

Bishop of Salt Lake City