Home/Stay Informed/All Diocesan Articles

All Diocesan Articles

A New Year, A New Beginning — Memorable Metanoia Moments

Posted on January 02, 2025 in: Reflections

A New Year, A New Beginning — Memorable Metanoia Moments

The feast of the Epiphany, Jan. 6, was always a big deal when my children were younger. “Little Christmas,” as we called it, was a time for a special family meal and one more present for the little ones. Now, as adults, we can give ourselves a gift: the opportunity to hit “refresh.” In many ways, the arrival of a new year mirrors the profound spiritual concept of metanoia — a deep, transformative change of mind and heart.

Metanoia is a call to repentance and a turning toward something greater — toward God. However, it is more than just taking a different action; it is a fundamental shift in perception, changing the way we think about the world around us. It can be that "a-ha" moment when we realize we need to change and act on it, or a sudden shift where change happens without warning.

Metanoia and the New Year’s holiday share similarities. Both offer a chance for transformation, for looking back, taking stock, and making changes. Here's how they connect:

A Fresh Start

The New Year is the ultimate reset button. It’s a time to let go of past mistakes, missteps and habits. Similarly, metanoia is about leaving behind old ways and embracing new directions — a chance to move from what was to what could be.

Reflection and Renewal

January is a time for reflection. We think about what went well and what didn’t, deciding what to change. Metanoia works the same way — reflect, recognize needed changes, and renew our commitment to improving.

Commitment to Change

New Year’s resolutions often focus on self-improvement, but metanoia calls for a deeper commitment. It’s about turning our hearts toward something greater, like living more faithfully or being more compassionate.

Hope and Possibility

The New Year brings hope for a better year. Metanoia offers the same — "You can start over. It’s never too late for a fresh start." Whether rethinking routines or making deeper life changes, both are full of hope.

Spiritual Growth
For those on a spiritual journey, metanoia is about growth — a continual process of becoming aligned with God’s plan. The New Year provides the same opportunity to improve and make choices that lead to peace and joy.

I’ve had a few metanoia moments, and I know many readers who have too. Transformation stories are powerful. Think of Ebenezer Scrooge or biblical figures like David, Job, and St. Paul. These stories show us that change is possible, even for the most unlikely.

One of my New Year's resolutions is to assure you that we will feature at least one article in every issue that highlights a “Memorable Metanoia Moment” — a person who has experienced a transformative shift in their life. These stories are meant to inspire and remind us that we can always start anew.

We want to hear about your “Memorable Metanoia Moments,” too! Maybe it’s a time when you rediscovered your faith, changed your life’s direction or had a spiritual awakening.

Share your story with us at 860.887.3933 or wgignac@norwichdiocese.net

Lastly, thank you to everyone who has supported our annual Four County Catholic fundraiser. If you haven’t yet donated please visit NorwichDiocese.org/FCCGive or send your donation to  Communications Office, 31 Perkins Ave., Norwich, CT 06360-3613. Your support helps us continue sharing news from around the diocese.

Here’s to a year of transformation, new beginnings and “Memorable Metanoia Moments” along the way. Let’s make this year one of growth, grace and hope.

By Wayne Gignac


Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

From the Archbishop: The Resurrection Gives Us Hope
Hello there. I offer an early Easter message to you. “Christ Is Alive! He is our hope, and in a wonderful way he brings youth to our world. His very first words, then, that I would like to say to every young Christian are these: Christ is alive and he wants you to be alive!” With these words, Pope Francis began an address to young people with the very first message found in the earliest preaching of the Church — in the words of St. Peter, “God raised this Jesus; of this we are all witnesses.” (Acts 2:32) Peter and all of the ancient saint...

Read More

‘Death is not the End of Everything’: Vatican Releases Pope’s Reflections on Aging, Dying
Pope Francis prays at the “Garden of Angels” section of the Laurentino Cemetery in Rome on All Souls’ Day, Nov. 2, 2024. Credit: Vatican Media The Vatican on Tuesday released a previously unpublished text by Pope Francis following his passing on Monday containing the late pontiff’s reflections on aging and death. “We must not be afraid of old age; we must not fear embracing becoming old, because life is life, and sugarcoating reality means betraying the truth of things,” wrote Francis in the preface to a book in Italian by Cardina...

Read More

The Call of Easter

Posted on April 02, 2025 in: Reflections, Lent

274

The Call of Easter
In the stillness of the early morning, Mary Magdalene stood at the entrance of the empty tomb, her heart heavy with grief. “Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned and said to him in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means Teacher)” (Jn 20:15-16). The One she had followed, the Teacher who had changed her li...

Read More

Annual Catholic Appeal

ACA DONATE

English

Español

 

Recently Added Galleries
Click to view album: Students Called to Feed the Hungry
Click to view album: 40 Days for Life 2024
Click to view album: Blessing of the Fleet 2024
Click to view album: Mass of Ordination for Fr. Eric Carl Hosmer, Fr. Julian Felipe Cuervo-Lozada and Fr. Alexander James Pandolfe
Signup for Weekly Newsletter

     

    Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich
    201 Broadway
    Norwich, CT 06360-4328
    Phone: 860-887-9294