Bishops deliver Thanksgiving messages

With Thanksgiving and Advent occurring only a few days apart, area bishops weighed in on the holidays.
Bishop Michael Jarrell, of the Diocese of Lafayette, issued a Thanksgiving message in preparation for Thursday:
“Like most people, I have so many good memories of Thanksgiving, centered mostly around food and family. It’s also a national holiday, a time to thank God for peace and prosperity.
“We are blessed, indeed. I wish people everywhere could have the same benefits of adequate food and housing and the blessings of peace and prosperity. We thank God for his gifts to us by pausing for heartfelt prayer on this special day.
“Let’s remember also the millions throughout the world, and here at home, who are in need of any of life’s basics. We pray: ‘Lord, we thank you for your blessings. Look kindly on those in need. Make us aware of our responsibility in your sight to be true brothers and sisters to all of your children. Amen.’ Happy Thanksgiving to all.”
Advent begins on Dec. 1.
Bishop Shelton Fabre of the Houma-Thibodaux Diocese issued a video message in preparation for the Advent season.
In the message he said:
“The season of Advent is upon us. Advent is a four-week season that is divided into two parts. The first two weeks of Advent invite us to reflect upon when Jesus will come in glory at the end of time as judge of the living and the dead. The first part of Advent reminds us that we must do now what we need to do to be found worthy to stand in his sight when he comes again.
“The second part of Advent, on Dec. 17, invites us to prepare to welcome Christ to be born into our hearts anew at Christmas. The second part of Advent invites us to reflect upon the child born for us at Bethlehem, to prepare to worthily enter into the celebration of Christmas.
“I pray that you will find the Lord during Advent and that you will be blessed.”