The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God- Theotókos- as well as the celebration of the World Day of Peace took place in the Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem.
In the Catholic world, the Solemnity of Mary “Mother of God” – Theotokos – as well as the celebration of the World Day of Peace take place on the first day of the year.
In Jerusalem, the celebration was held in the Co-Cathedral of the Latin Patriarchate. Along with the Apostolic Administrator Mons. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, different religious authorities, representatives of the various Latin communities of the Holy Land as well as many local faithful and pilgrims were present.
In his homily, Mons. Pizzaballa stressed the importance of the Virgin Mary and how her divine motherhood and the mystery of the birth of Jesus have an impact on the life of the believer. Bishop Pizzaballa also recalled Pope Francis’ message for the World Day of Peace, which emphasizes that “Jesus taught us that the real battlefield, where we face violence and peace, is the human heart.”
In his message for the celebration of the fiftieth World Day of Peace, during the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis asked everyone to “strive to make 2017 the Year of Nonviolence, hoping that our decisions, our relationships, our actions in politics and in all circumstances follow the same nonviolence belief.”