Christmas is here again.

Christmas is a time to celebrate life, which invites us to value love, solidarity, the union of peoples, and hope. During this festive season, the Azores shine with the light of our traditions. The spirit of Christmas is lit with intensity on each of our nine islands and our diaspora as Azorean people. In every gesture and word, we remember the values handed down to us by our parents and grandparents, who do us great honor. Indeed, Christmas is more than a celebration; it’s a time to honor this humanist legacy, which reminds us of the importance of altruism and sharing.

It’s also a time to reflect on fraternity, which calls us to act with generosity and care for one another with the same tenderness we wish for ourselves. True fraternity drives us to reach out to others and support those who need us most. This kind of attitude strengthens the bonds of solidarity that should guide our life in society.

The transformation of the world begins within each one of us. This spirit of fraternity, essential to building a just society, should guide our actions and choices and is undoubtedly what we seek to cultivate in the Azores.
This is also a time to think about the future and thus to think about our youth.

Young people are the main actors of tomorrow. They are the ones who will be active in our future. Pope John Paul II, on his visit to the Azores in 1991, said: “Youth is the time to store up for life, a time of formation for the great responsibilities of tomorrow.” This lesson is so true that we haven’t forgotten it.

It is essential that, as a society, we take responsibility for preparing young people for the great challenges that await them.
The future will not be easy. We live in a constantly changing world where social, economic, and environmental crises are intertwined with armed conflicts, political tensions, and inequalities. Although the challenges are great, so are the opportunities.

Education, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability are essential to prepare our young people not only to face a globalized and complex world but also so that they can all thrive. I leave a message of confidence to our young people in the Azores, diaspora, and world. I know they have the strength, talent, and courage to change their lives, their families, the Azores, and the world for the better. With more hope and prosperity for all, you can create a fairer, more sustainable, and more peaceful world.

In a world that is increasingly affected by extremism, violence, and division, the need for peace has never been more urgent. Conflicts in various regions of the world have devastated lives, destroyed countries, and generated endless suffering.

Here in the Azores, we are a region that values peace and harmony, and we want to inspire the world. The future is not just a promise for a distant time; it is built daily. And each of us has a voice and action in this process.

With humility and dedication, we must work towards building a more fraternal, inclusive, and supportive future.

We are already at the end of 2024. Fortunately, with all the constraints in the Azores, it has been positive for our families and businesses. More prosperity has been achieved. And the path is made by walking. We live in peace, in social and economic stability. We always and collectively want to reduce poverty and loneliness among individuals and families. Every step forward in social inclusion is important. It adds up and adds value.
This year, which is now coming to an end, both in the world and right here near us, in Europe and the Middle East, has seen the prevalence of war that horrifies us. It kills and dehumanizes.

The impacts of extreme natural phenomena resulting from accelerated climate change have destroyed lives and populations. I invite everyone to look to the coming year with greater hope. There is renewed hope in their ability to contribute, each in their own way, to a better region, country, Europe, and world.

May we all feel inspired to make a difference.

May we be an example of solidarity, prosperity, and, above all, love for others. In this coming new year, we renew our commitment to continue the work in progress, dedicating ourselves to achieving our collective aspirations.

To all Azoreans, on the islands and worldwide, a fraternal embrace. Our pride as Azoreans is universal.

May this Christmas be another moment of unity, reflection, and commitment to a more humane and peaceful future.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a New Year full of health, hope, and achievement.

May the new year 2025 be better, and may it bring us the opportunity to see peace in the world.
With friendship and trust in the Azoreans and in the Azores:
Merry Christmas.
Happy New Year.

José Manuel Bolieiro, President of the Regional Government of the Azores

Translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL) as part of Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno, PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.