Let Christ’s light shine – bishop’s message for independence

BELIZE

As Belize approached 41 years of independence September 21, Bishop Lawrence Nicasio, in a message to faithful September 9, urged citizens to thank Almighty God for their beautiful and beloved country.

“As beautiful as it has been given to us by our God, we now must let this beauty last in and around us by our working together, peacefully every day. Valiant and bold, proud and strong! Belize rebounds @ 41!” the Bishop wrote as he currently recovers and receives treatment in St Louis, Missouri, US after surgery in early August to remove a blockage from his colon which was found to be cancerous.

The Bishop told Belizeans, “We call ourselves a Christian country. If we truly are, then we ought to let the light of Christ whom we serve shine in our lives, throughout our land, and throughout our common home, Earth.”

He then urged all clergy to celebrate the independence anniversary in meaningful ways with their people and their schools.

Bishop Nicasio told Christian Herald that the suggestion was given to him to send friends, from time to time, a message. “I thought that it was a good idea and so I decided to send you this note. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for all your prayers for my speedy recovery. Those prayers have been felt by me as I see the hand of God, His Holy Spirit guiding me in all things…” he said.

He invited faithful to continue to pray, not only for him, but for the many people who need healing.

Bishop Nicasio wrote that Monday, September 5, the feast of St Teresa of Kolkata was his 60th birthday and Labour Day in the US.

“I had a full and joy-filled day hearing from families and reading your greetings of love and friendship. Thank you for your love and your caring spirit,” Bishop Nicasio said.

He mentioned in St Louis, despite his protest to having a party, a few seminary classmates of his had a well-planned birthday party and invited many close friends and Belizean seminarians.