Blessings for the New Year

HAPPY NEW YEAR

... and Happy Feast Day of

Mary, Holy Mother of God!

What an interesting and blessed New Year's Eve it was yesterday.  From early in the morning I was filled with an unusual anticipation concerning the upcoming year; it was neither good nor bad ... rather, a feeling that this year will somehow be significant, but I'm uncertain as to how.  The sensation was compounded by movements and formations in the sky that I occasionally caught glimpses of ... like wispy white figures moving around amongst the clouds.  I even thought to myself "Heaven seems busy today".

At one point, as I was making coffee at my job's kitchen area, I glanced out the window and was surprised to see clear figures in the clouds resembling winged Angels and even figures dressed in hooded robes (Saints?).  I watched for several moments before running back to my desk to fetch my cellphone in order to snap a few photos - below is one of the clearer pics ...

... and then my priest, Fr. Tony, unexpectedly called.  He was inspired at the last minute to add a Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration/Benediction after the New Year's Eve Vigil Mass we were holding at my parish tonight.  He also wanted the Rosary prayed before the Mass in honor of our Blessed Mother's Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God on January 1st, and asked for my help in arranging it.  Of course, I happily agreed.

Not long after hanging up with my priest, I left the office to walk over to the Kamiano Center near the Honolulu Cathedral to lector at the Noon Mass.  As I made my way, an amazing formation in the clouds took shape ahead of me, which I also photographed ...

'not saying it's supernatural, but tell me if that blue area in the center doesn't resemble an outline of the Virgin Mary?!  It's uncanny and talk about spiritual serendipity!  And how relevant, too, given my priest's idea to add the Rosary.  I couldn't help but think it was Our Lady's way of communicating her gratitude and approval over the plans to include the Rosary - her most favorite prayer - in my parish's line-up of events.  (She is always very thoughtful and grateful for everything we do in her honor.)

And about that vigil service, I'm happy to report that it turned out to be a beautiful and well-attended gathering.  Many expressed what a meaningful way it was to end the old year and to usher in the new one.  Our Fr. Tony did good.

New Year's Eve Eucharistic Adoration at

St. Anthony of Padua Church, Kailua

So regardless what 2026 may bring - good and bad - there's always hope in GOD ... and HE will lovingly respond to our needs if we are sincere, even sending Our Lady, the Angels, and Saints to be with us when needed, which I think the photos posted above can attest to.

Plus, it's always an excellent idea, as we start a new year to renew (or start) our personal commitments to follow our Lord's teachings more closely and to commend our lives to Our Lady's maternal guidance.  Prayer - particularly frequent Mass and Eucharistic Adoration, and the Rosary - will also continue to be an absolute necessity as we move forward into 2026.  May God bless us all.

"For I know the plans I have for you"

declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you

and not to harm you, plans to give you

hope and a future."

- Jeremiah 29:11