Special Observances

The World Day of Peace is celebrated annually on January 1st - the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. During the Eucharistic Celebration at the Vatican Basilica, Pope Leo XIV spoke upon the theme of forgiveness and peace. A summary of his homily is available at the following link:

Message of the Holy Father Leo XIV for the 59th World Day of Peace.

Since it was first observed in the year 1908, the week of prayer for Christian Unity has encouraged all Christians to pray and work towards peaceful unity and collaboration. This year's theme is: "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling” (Ephesians 4:4).

Resources - English 
Información en Español

Additional liturgical information pertaining to the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children can be found in The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM 373).

"I hope in your Word."  Psalm 119

The Dicastery for Evangelization has created a Liturgical and Pastoral Handbook to be offered to parish communities in preparation for this special observance. The English and Spanish versions of the handbook can be found at the links below. Included in the handbook is an outline for the Eucharistic Celebration, which begins on page 17.

Liturgical & Pastoral Handbook (English)
Subsidio Litúrgico-Pastoral (Español)  

The handbook is also available in additional languages on the dicastery website HERE.

Additional Resources
Video Seminars - Catholic.bible
The Lector at Mass
Hearing the Word of God

Resources in Spanish:
El Lector dentro de la Misa
Escucha de la Palabra de Dios

Last Week in January

“Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community.”

Prayer Intentions:

1. Parish, Community & Nation

2. For the right to an education, for migrants, refugees, and those affected by war, that their right to an education, which is necessary to build a better world, might always be respected.

3. For school faculty and staff, they may be blessed with the grace to work together for the faith and wellbeing of the little ones whom God has placed in their care.

4. For students, that as they grow in knowledge, they may also learn to seek a deeper relationship with God.

5. For the domestic church, that Christ may be ever present in all families, fostering in them a spirit of forgiveness and the desire for holiness.

6. For vocations, that parishes, communities and families may encourage vocations to the priesthood, deaconate and religious life.

7. For those who have gone before us to their eternal rest, especially those who have imparted knowledge and faith through catholic education.

More information can be found on the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) website:

FOR CHILDREN WITH INCURABLE DISEASES
Let us pray that children suffering from incurable diseases and their families receive the necessary medical care and support, never losing strength and hope.

In 1997, Pope St. John Paul II instituted the World Day for Consecrated Life, celebrated those women and men who have given of themselves in this special way as religious. The date chosen was February 2nd, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. This feast is also known as Candlemas, since it features the blessing of candles, which symbolize the light of Christ. Religious are called in a special way to shine that light of Christ for the world.