Archbishop’s Message

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30941, 23 December 1965, Page 14

Archbishop’s Message

(N.Z. Press Association) NAPIER, Dec. 22. The Archbishop of New Zealand (the Most Rev. N. A. Lesser) today issued the following statement: “An old man who had been warned of his imminent decease summoned to his side a bitter adversary. The man told his erstwhile foe that he completely forgave him. “After conversation, the guest took his departure, but as he passed through the door, the old man summoned his strength and called out, ‘But mind you, if I get better, this is off.’ “With a world torn with strife and animosity amidst the discord of strident sounds, it is perhaps more difficult to hear the bells and the song of the angels, but nevertheless, they are the sounds which ultimately will survive.

“The forgiveness of the creator issues from his love, and Christmas is a timely reminder of an eternal attitude. “If the cult of Christmas could be transformed into the spirit of Christmas, and the spirit of the day into the spirit of the years, then would the world be able to exchange the happiness of the moment for the joy of the eternal. “New Zealand generosity is affronted at the sobering thought of thousands of ‘misplaced persons’ with no home.

“Let us ensure that this Christmas there is not one amongst us who still cannot find a place to rest his head. “In wishing you a blessed and happy Christmas, and every blessing for the days that lie ahead, I rejoice that you can help answer this hope for yourself by choosing your Christmas guest with wisdom and affection.”