January 1, 2025

Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God

For Francis, our Pope and ___, our Bishop. May the Holy Spirit invoke joy and hope in our earthly leaders. May our church reflect the promise of peace for all humanity.

We pray to the Lord.

For all who live in waring nations. May this day of peace offer consolation and change in all who lead other people. May hope be born in the chaos of earthly life.

We pray to the Lord.

For all mothers and people who nurture goodness. May we rely on the grace of God to help protect the orphan, the young and those struggling to grow up and to grow wise.

We pray to the Lord.

For all who wish to break out of an old way of life in this new year. May we shed routines, habits and ruts that do not provide goodness for ourselves and other people. May this new year provide joy in our lives upon the earth.

We pray to the Lord.

For all children who experience abusive words and actions among adults. May our next generation be offered new environments of satisfaction, joy and openness. May God give the young the courage to grow up in love.

We pray to the Lord.

For all people who are confined to bitterness and self-hatred. May our Eucharist open the hearts of the lost and may we all find courage to live in the love of the Holy Spirit.

We pray to the Lord.

For all who face lonely nights and lost days. May our elderly know peace and the young find meaning. May our lives reflect the joy and hope of the Holy Spirit.

We pray to the Lord.

For people who grieve loved ones in this new year. May our common grief grow into love and concern for our neighbor. May we not fear our losses but learn from every aspect of human love and life.

We pray to the Lord.

For our beloved dead. May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. May our beloved rest in peace.

We pray to the Lord.