In keeping with tradition, Archbishop Christian Lépine invited the Gospel-makers of our diocese to join him for a time of celebration and prayer at the start of the new year, held last January 10, 11 and 13.

Braving winter storms, several hundred guests, including priests, deacons, lay ministers, and numerous volunteers, gathered joyfully at St. John Fisher Parish on January 10, Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel on January 11, and at Saint-Pie-X Church of Saint-Martin Parish on the morning of January 13. They shared coffee, dessert, and other delicious treats, but above all, their passion for the Gospel.

United in their cultural and linguistic diversities, like the Magi under the Star of Epiphany, it was an opportunity for everyone to reunite with longtime acquaintances and to get to know brothers and sisters committed to their parish communities or other organizations and movements within our Church.

During the celebration, the Ignace Bourget Diocesan Award of Merit was presented this year to five individuals or groups for their outstanding contribution to the evangelizing mission of our diocese:

• Mr. Joseph Thanh Hao Truong, from the Saints-Martyrs-du-Vietnam Mission;
   
• Mrs. Pierrette Bujold and Mr. Claude Laflèche, from Service Avant Mariage Laval (SAML);
   
• Mr. André Lachambre, from Maison de la Foi, serving the deaf community;
   
• The Technology and Evangelization Team at Santa-Teresa-de-Avila Mission;
   
• Carrefour Foi et Spiritualité of Bordeaux-Cartierville.

The presentation of the Diocesan Award of Merit not only highlighted the hard work of these five recipients but also, through them, shed light on the generous service of the thousands of baptized individuals who offer their time, talents, and resources for the glory of God and the good of their brothers and sisters.

After receiving wishes for health, peace and courage, our Archbishop, in turn, wished everyone happiness in the new year, urging them to be attentive to the search for meaning among today's "Magi," especially young adults.

Thank you to the organizing groups of these three gatherings, filled with light and the Lord's blessings!

+ Alain Faubert, VG