January 1, 2023

Dear St. Martin of Tours Family & Friends,

As we celebrate the New Year’s Day according to the Gregorian Calendar, we recognize that most cultures do not consider January 1 the first day of the New Year. In fact, the most common day for a New Year’s celebration is March 20 –21, the vernal equinox.

According to the cycle of spiritual time given by God to the Jews, New Year’s is celebrated on the first day of the Jewish month of Tishrei which usually falls in mid to late September. This day is called Rosh Hashanah, which translated means literally “head of the year.” (Technically, Tishrei is first month of the civil year, whereas Nisan, the seventh month in which the Passover takes place, marks the beginning of the Jewish liturgical year.

Nevertheless, since Rosh Hashanah celebrates the anniversary of the Creation of the Universe, it is the more important date. After all, it’s the birthday of the universe! The first week of the New Year celebrates the creation of light, the sun, moon, and stars, the animals, plants, birds, fish, and humans. According to the rabbis, we are now in year 5783.

What’s essential is that the day be consecrated to God in prayer, in thanksgiving for the year that has passed, and in hopeful gratitude for the year that is to come. To “awaken” the soul to the importance of acknowledging God through grateful prayer, the shofar (ram’s horn/trumpet) is blown loudly a total of 100 times a day.

During Rosh Hashanah, as with Shabbat, Jewish people who are devout refrain from partaking in certain activities such as using electric devices, driving or writing. Rosh Hashanah actually marks the beginning of ten days of intense prayer.

We can learn from our prayerful Jewish brothers and sisters! Shouldn’t we Catholics celebrate the New Year’s in the same manner? On January 1 in the evening, at 6:30 p.m., we continue our weekly practice of Rosary and Benediction. We will also honor the Holy Face of Jesus and with special prayers we will entreat Jesus and Mary for special protection and blessings for 2023, for ourselves, our families, and our parish.

Have a happy, healthy, and holy 2023!