Brothers and Sisters,
On January 1, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God and the World Day of Prayer for Peace. Recognizing our many brothers and sisters who are living in war-torn conditions, we ask the Blessed Mother to intercede for them and ask her Son, the Prince of Peace, to bring an end to the violence and instability they are suffering.
We especially remember during this Christmas Season those in the Holy Land and Ukraine, as well as our fellow Catholics living in fear and repression in Nicaragua, Cameroon, and other nations. While these conflicts may seem distant and far away from us, our faith teaches us not to discount the power of our sacrificial prayers. Therefore, in great confidence we ask Jesus to inspire international leaders to find peaceful resolutions to these conflicts that cause so much strife around the world.
Today and every day, I ask the faithful of the diocese and people of goodwill to promote an end to violence and war and to pray that the peace of God’s kingdom might reign on Earth so that all may experience God’s abiding love.
