As we begin the new year, 2026, we turn our gaze to our Mother Mary and honour her with her most exalted title: Mother of God. No greater title could be given to the Blessed Virgin, for it gathers within it all the graces bestowed on her by God the Father. Since Mary is the true mother of Jesus, God the Son, she is rightly acclaimed as the Mother of God. Indeed, the most blessed woman in all of history.
Today the Catholic Church also celebrates the World Day of Peace. In a world marked by aggression and violence, we earnestly long for the gift of peace proclaimed by the angels to those of good will, those who seek to do the will of God.
Lord God, in whose hands are the hearts of rulers, guide them by your will, that they may govern in your grace and bring peace to their peoples; for nothing is impossible for you.
Let us also entrust ourselves to Mary, Mother of God, asking her to intercede for us before the Lord for the much-needed gift of peace, both within our hearts and throughout the world.
O Blessed Virgin, O Gate of Heaven, O Mother of Mercy, O Delight of God, pray for us, for we know that he who bestowed upon you the dignity of divine motherhood will deny you nothing. Amen.
