Sempre Avanti

I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year
'Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.'

And he replied,
'Go into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God
That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way!'

So I went forth and finding the Hand of God
Trod gladly into the night
He led me towards the hills
And the breaking of day in the lone east.....

At the dawn of a New Year, may all its blessings, good health and great things be yours and with your loved ones (alongside the continued wishes for a Merry Christmas -- Octave ends tomorrow).

Lest anyone be wondering, the Year-End Package is in edits -- the pieces ran a bit longer than anticipated and want to be sure they're up to snuff. So just enjoy the Champagne, bask in the Bowl Games, and get through the final swing of Holy Day liturgies and you'll find 'em soon enough.

Earlier tonight, in the church where this scribe made his sacraments, the traditional Mummers' Mass was held, and shortly after daybreak, The Parade (ten hours, all told) steps off for the 107th time.

So, yet again, a Blessed and Happy New Year from Mummerville....





Should any be confused, Mummery is a predominantly Catholic tradition here.

PHOTO: AP/Ricardo Moraes

-30-