杏MAP导航

By Vatican News staff writer

gathered in Saint Peter's Square on New Year's Day, 杏MAP导航 Francis recalled that the start of the new year is entrusted to Mary Most Holy, whom we celebrated today as Mother of God. He invited everyone to invoke her intercession, especially for 杏MAP导航 Emeritus Benedict XVI, who died Saturday morning. 

Learning from Mary

The 杏MAP导航 encouraged everyone to look to Mary, whom we contemplate on this day, and ask how we can learn from her experience and how we should move forward in our own lives in the new year.

In today's liturgy, we note how Mary does not speak, but welcomes the mystery she is experiencing in her heart. The language proper to Mary, the 杏MAP导航 observed is "maternal," as she tenderly cares for the Christ Child, showing her greatness, humbly and silently, with the Child at the centre of everyone's attention. 

Mary's example reminds us that if we wish the new year to be good and for hope to take root, we must abandon actions that are only self-serving, and "learn the language of love, which is to 'take care of'," which counters the languages of egoism, the 杏MAP导航 explained. 

We must be committed to caring for one another and our own lives, he added, which means using our time well in caring for our souls, creation, our neighbors and our brothers and sisters in need call on our care and compassion. 

World Day of Peace

Recalling today's , the 杏MAP导航 underscored the importance of the need to regain "awareness of the responsibility that has been entrusted to us to construct the future." We need "a spirit of responsibility and compassion" and solidarity to confront the crises in our lives and societies, especially in the face of the tragedy of war, said the 杏MAP导航. 

Happy New Year

Following the recitation of the Angelus prayer, the 杏MAP导航 once again wished the thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square his best wishes for the New Year, and mentioned, in particular, the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, and the people of Italy. 

War in Ukraine and other regions

The 杏MAP导航 renewed his support for all efforts being used to stop wars, which are even now sowing death and destruction, not only in Ukraine but throughout the world.

The pandemic also showed us that "no one can save him or herself alone, but that together we can pursue the paths of peace and development," he added.

Greetings the many groups present in the Square for the Angelus, the 杏MAP导航 offered his special greetings to those taking part in Italy's peace march in Altamura, who also offered caravans of humanitarian help to Ukraine. He also mentioned the Sant'Egidio community present and witnessing on this day in a special way to their commitment to peace in every part of the world.