Sixtus the Sixth's Letter of Tuvmas

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The High Pontiff's Letter of Tuvmas

Peace & Charity

Dear brothers and sisters,

 

The time that most consider the most wonderful of the Saint's Year has once again come, as we celebrate one our faith's foremost religious holidays; Tuvmas, as it is known by many, or St. Tobias' Mass in common. Giving to those in need, such is the essence of Tuvmas, as we honour Saint Tobias of Sarkoz, who lived the life of a rich worldly merchant, only to give all his fortunes away to those in need in the later parts of his life, ultimately dying in order to provide a meal for others. It is a time of giving and receiving gifts, which we hope all of you most generously do. A holiday centered around charity, a virtue that can otherwise be lacking in every day life for many of us. 

 

However it is also a time of a togetherness and solidarity. Many of you will look to your fellow man around Tuvmastime, giving love and charity to them, and many more will look to your close kith and kin. Tuvmas is a holiday spent amongst friends and family, one where we come close and huddle around the fireplace as we love one another and be merry like God intended. It is a time where we allow ourselves to indulge in the likes of food, drink and music; the worldly pleasures God created, as stated in the Canticle of Temperance.

Through this sense of merriment and togetherness, Tuvmas is also a time of peace, not just among Canondom - but through the pagan holiday of Krugmas - a time of peace on earth. However this might be hard to believe for those who let the state of the world sink in. Where once there was unity and joy under a Tuvmas tree, people are fiercely opposed to eachother. Deep wounds have been made, and peace and reconciliation seem further away than ever. The shockwaves of what has happened in Veletz, but so too in Aaun, Balian and elsewhere in the world, can be felt in Canonist homes everywhere. There's no Tuvmas carol loud enough to protect us from the sound of cannons and the cries of the innocent. While there may be causes to war, there is no denying the horror and brutality, nor the profound sadness, of Canonists fighting against fellow Canonists. We all have our ideas on who is right and who is wrong when we fight in war. When we get confronted by things that hurt and divide us, it is easy to point and blame. 

 However, making mistakes is human. What's more, making mistakes and learning from them makes us into better people. This is what lies at the core of humanity's covenant with God, of confession and repentance, sinning and forgiving. Let Tuvmas therefore be a time for new beginnings. Where we look at ourselves in the mirror and ask - what can we do better? Where we look to our enemies and say 'We might disagree, but let us put that aside', even if only for just a short while. A time of merriment, togetherness and charity, not just amongst close friends and family - our kith and kin - but amongst all of Canondom and Humanity. A moment for peace on earth where we may celebrate, love and give, untroubled by what divides us, so that we may catch a glimpse of a better, holier future. A glimpse of paradise, shared by enemies turned brothers, as they exchange gifts under the Tuvmas tree. Don't forget charity for the needy, love for your family and fellow man, forgive eachother and allow for new beginnings, such is what we hope for this Tuvmas.

On behalf of ourself, the Holy Mother Church of the Canon, and our Lord GOD, we wish all of you, wherever you are and no matter your personal circumstances, a most blessed Tuvmas.

 

HIS HOLINESS, SIXTUS VI, High Pontiff of the Church of the Canon

Merry Tobiasmas, Joyeux Tovemesse, Veselich Tuvmas, Fröhliche Tobiasmesse, Bona Messa Di Toveah, Laeti Tovemessa, Feliz Tovidad, Meri Tobiasu, Kali Maza Tovias, Majid Eid Tubyas, Buon Messa Di Tobias, Vrolijk Tobiasfeest, Wyn Toveah Kaliri, Laeti Tobiae Massa

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Bishop Mattia signed the lorraine once he had finished reading the address. He smiled, proclaiming: "Blessed in the Mass of Saint Tobias."