Throughout the world, Catholics are beginning this new year with renewed hopes and dreams, goals and resolutions.
Message from Rome
Pope Benedict XVI said in his annual message for the Jan. 1 World Day of Peace that building peace and eradicating poverty demand an overhaul of short-sighted financial policies and unjust economic and social structures.
Using the theme of “Fighting Poverty to Build Peace,” he said: “Back in 1993, my venerable predecessor Pope John Paul II, in his Message for the World Day of Peace that year, drew attention to the negative repercussions for peace when entire populations live in poverty. Poverty is often a contributory factor or a compounding element in conflicts, including armed ones. In turn, these conflicts fuel further tragic situations of poverty.”
“Our world,” he wrote, “shows increasing evidence of another grave threat to peace: many individuals, and indeed whole peoples, are living today in conditions of extreme poverty. The gap between rich and poor has become more marked, even in the most economically developed nations.”
The Vatican’s English translation of the pope’s message is available online. It was released at the Vatican’s Dec. 11 press conference.
Parish Offers Resolution Ideas
From a more local perspective, the new year invites resolutions for better behaviors and healthier habits.
St. Bonaventure Parish in Allegany, N.Y., offered in its recent church bulletin the following ideas for New Year resolutions.
Take time to be friendly. It is the road to happiness.
Take time to dream. It is the road to greater vision.
Take time to give. It is too short a day to be selfish.
Take time to laugh. It is the music of the soul.
Take time to listen to God’s call. It is the beginning of an exciting love story.
Take time to love and be loved. It is a God-given privilege.
Take time to play. It is the secret of perpetual youth.
Take time to pray. It is the greatest power on earth.
Take time to read. It is the fountain of wisdom.
Take time to seek God’s will. It is the only way to go.
Take time to think. It is the source of power.
Take time to work. It is the price of success.