In this blessed season of Christmas, our hearts turn toward the manger, where the simplicity and humility of God are revealed in the Child Jesus. Christmas is a time of light, peace, and gift: God becomes a servant among us to teach us true joy, the joy that is born of love and service.
We all know the deep satisfaction that fills us when we serve others, especially those who need our help. To serve with joy, expecting nothing in return, gives rise to true happiness — a happiness that the world cannot offer.
Pope Francis teaches us that service to others must be both joyful and humble. It is not a secondary task, but an essential dimension of the Christian mission. Joy, he emphasizes, springs from service, especially among the poor. A joyful attitude is also indispensable for evangelization: it helps Christians remain alive, courageous, and bearers of hope, even in the midst of trials.
True joy finds its source in the love of God, a love that is expressed through selfless and boundless service. In his recent apostolic exhortation, Pope Leo XIV reminds us of the transforming power of Christian love — a love that tears down walls, brings hearts closer, and reunites those who were separated.
Joy is indeed the natural consequence of service. It allows us to recognize the presence of the divine in those whom we serve. But this is possible only if our service is carried out with love.
May we continue to draw our strength from this joy born of service: a humble, generous, and trusting service inspired by the love of Christ.
This Christmas, may the light of the Child of Bethlehem illuminate your lives and your missions. May the peace, tenderness, and joy of the Lord fill your hearts and your homes.
With our fraternal affection and our most sincere wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2026.
Ergete Tesfaye, p.m.é.
General Superior
Quebec Foreign Mission Society
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2026 Large Format Calendar Now Available!
For our 2026 large-format calendar, we have chosen to invite you to Honduras, where we have been present for 70 years.
Since 1955, the Foreign Mission Society has been actively involved in the life of the people of this country, particularly in the fields of popular education, social communication, and the pastoral service of Christian communities. Even today, we continue our work in collaboration with the local Church, especially by taking part in missionary formation and animation.
In this calendar, we show you a glimpse of the beauty of this country through a visit to Puerto Cortés, by the sea, where fishing boats belonging to the Garifuna people are moored.
In Comayagua, the market in the central square bustles with life, especially during the celebrations of Lempira Day (July 20).
We then invite you to join us for a celebration in Guata, in the department of Olancho.
This calendar, priced at five dollars, aims—yesterday as today—to be a much-appreciated means of supporting our missionaries throughout the world.
How to place your order? It’s simple!
You can order:
• By calling (450) 667-4190 ext. 415
• By fax at (450) 667-3006
• Or by emailing us at: helene@smelaval.org
Please note:
• For orders of 1 to 6 calendars, they are shipped folded.
• For orders of 7 or more calendars, they are sent rolled in a tube to preserve their original shape.
• We also sell our large format calendar at our offices for $4.
• Available in Canada only.