Today is the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God.  The following excerpt is from Pope Francis’ first Angelus message of the new year:

Thank you, Holy Mother of the Son of God, Jesus!
Thank you for your humility that attracted the eyes of God;
thank you for the faith with which you have welcomed His Word;
thanks for the courage with which you said “Here I am”,
forgetting about yourself, fascinated by Holy Love,
becoming one with His hope.
Thank you, Holy Mother of the Son of God, Jesus!
Pray for us, pilgrims in time;
help us to walk the path of peace.
Amen.

Today is also the 2017 World Day of Peace.  The following is an excerpt from Pope Francis’ message for this day:

“All of us want peace. Many people build it day by day through small gestures and acts; many of them are suffering, yet patiently persevere in their efforts to be peacemakers.  In 2017, may we dedicate ourselves prayerfully and actively to banishing violence from our hearts, words and deeds, and to becoming nonviolent people and to building nonviolent communities that care for our common home. Nothing is impossible if we turn to God in prayer. Everyone can be an artisan of peace.”

And finally, today is New Year’s Day.  Are you making any New Year Resolutions?  If so, be sure to check out today’s Sunday bulletin for quotes from Pope Francis that you can use as a basis for your resolutions.

Wishing you a healthy, peaceful and happy 2017!  Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.