Gambian Bishop Encourages Unconditional Thanksgiving to God in New Year Message

“We should always, as St. Paul says, give thanks to God in all circumstances both in good and bad times, in times of joy and sorrow,” said the Bishop who has been at the helm of Banjul Diocese since his Episcopal ordination in February 2018.

He added, “We should not expect God to grant our prayers, needs, and plans in the new year before we offer our thanksgiving to Him, nor should we wait until we are successful, rich, or comfortable in the new year before we express our gratitude to God.”

Bishop Mendy urged the people of God in the Muslim-dominated country to spontaneously thank God for their lives, health, gifts, and status in life during the new year of 2024, saying that all the provisions originated from God Himself.

He said, “Our lives and health are not our provision but God’s precious gifts to us, we should therefore give thanks to God at all times and in all circumstances for our existence no matter our experiences and misfortunes in life.”

“God is also the source of our faith, as well as our spiritual and human gifts and vocation, for that reason, we are obliged to always thank Him for these sacred gifts we received during baptism, confirmation, consecration, and ordination,” the Bishop said.

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In his message, the 56-year-old Catholic Bishop discouraged the people of God against perceiving failures and sufferings in life as worthless. He said that failures and suffering should instead promote a thanksgiving heart.

Bishop Mendy went on to highlight the Eucharistic celebration, daily prayers, offerings, acts of charity, and selfless service to God and humanity as appropriate forms of thanksgiving that the people of God should embrace.

“We should not underestimate the gifts and offerings we present to God if we dedicate ourselves at the service of God and humanity without counting the cost,” he said, adding, “Our work and life of witness can also be our gratitude to God for His wonderous blessings.”

The Bishop also spoke on the benefits of unconditional thanksgiving, saying, “If we thank God at all times, and in all circumstances, we will experience His peace, goodness, and rewards.”

He continued, “We will gain more from God if we offer and express our thanksgiving to Him in the Eucharist, in our prayers, and in our service to Him and humanity.”

“We will also experience God’s peace, blessings, and assurances in our lives if we give thanks to God at all times and in all circumstances during this new year,” the member of the Holy Ghost fathers said in his New Year message.

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.