Saint Sylvester, you occupy the last place on the civil calendar.
You open the door to the new year.
Many, because of New Year’s Eve, only know your name, but nothing about you.
You help us to be aware of all the graces we have received in the past year.
You encourage us to say: “Thank you.”
On your day, we say greetings that should be sincere and true; not false!
You know that not everything we wish for ourselves and wish for each other is good for us.
You encourage us to be open to God’s blessing in the coming year.
Unfortunately, many celebrations on your day end tragically.
You constantly pray to God for us, so that we may not call down curses on ourselves and our loved ones.
You warn us not to compete in who can tell the worst joke, say the most offensive words, throw the most powerful firecracker, successfully carry out a robbery, be convincing in lies and deception.
You reveal to us that it is not fun to remain blind or without fingers on your hand.
Millions suffer from wars, theft, lies, abuse, adultery, psychological violence and murder.
You protect us from self-sufficiency, childishness, from modern barbarians and primitivism.
Protect us from getting various objects on our heads due to the arrogance of hooligans!
Protect us from terrorists, from instigators of social violence and wars!
You warn us to drive safely on the road.
Protect us from those who are tired behind the wheel, under the influence of alcohol or other drugs!
Nothing that we are and what we have is our property.
You train us to take care of our property and not throw it out the window.
A healthy life also requires entertainment, rest and good sleep.
By your inspiration, we are moderate in food, drink and all other things.
Man does not live by bread alone. By listening, meditating and fulfilling the word of God, we rejoice in the Holy Spirit.
Saint Sylvester, you teach us family life and joy in our diversity.
You inspire us to listen to our neighbors, understand them and talk to them.
A model of simplicity, sincerity, reason, courage, justice, moderation and patience!
With your support, we learn to rejoice with those who are happy.
You strengthen us to help the lonely, the sad, the suffering and the desperate.
We cannot love others if we do not respect ourselves. You reveal to us the secret of healthy self-esteem, serenity, humor and joy. You train us for true celebration.
Saint Sylvester, patron saint of masons and stonemasons!
Following your example, we do not want to start the New Year in a stressful way, with unhappiness, breaking, demolition, quarrels and hostility. Our goal is not ruins, ruins and spiritual devastation.
Following your noble example, let us adorn and fill the world with beauty and goodness;
together, on a solid foundation of truth and justice, in peace and order, with love and courage, with persistent carving, building and fruitfulness. Amen.
Bogdan Vidmar
Nova Gorica, 31.12.2024
