As the year 2025 approaches its end and the excitement of New Year’s celebrations fills the air, Archbishop Peter Loy Chong has shared a poignant message urging individuals to pause for reflection amidst the festivities. He encourages everyone to take ten minutes to thoughtfully examine their past year with a lens of gratitude and hope.
“While the world erupts in celebrations with fireworks and gatherings, consider giving yourself the invaluable gift of introspection just before the celebrations commence,” the Archbishop remarked. He introduced the Ignatian Examen, a traditional contemplative practice within the Christian faith, which takes on special relevance as the year closes.
Archbishop Loy Chong emphasized the importance of reflecting on one’s journey before setting resolutions or dwelling on past regrets. Regardless of whether one identifies as religious, secular, or spiritually inquisitive, he invites all to take a moment to recognize their resilience. “You’ve navigated through days that felt unbearable, and you were not as alone as you might have thought,” he noted, underscoring the need to shift perspectives from isolation to a sense of shared human experience.
In addition, he highlighted gratitude’s crucial role in life, warning that ingratitude can cloud our ability to recognize love and support around us. Celebrating the simple yet profound gifts of the past year—like supportive relationships, employment stability, moments of beauty, and expressions of kindness—can cultivate a deeper appreciation for life’s many blessings.
The Archbishop concluded his message with a powerful reminder that embracing vulnerability can lead individuals to discover a greater sense of purpose. By acknowledging both the trials and triumphs of life, one can experience the transformative presence of the Divine.
For those interested in exploring Archbishop Loy Chong’s reflections further, a complete version of his message will be featured in the next edition of The Fiji Times, encouraging readers to adopt this meaningful practice as they welcome a New Year infused with hope and possibility.