While in the civil calendar we celebrate Mother's Day in May, the Catholic Church, as of 1969, has closed the octave of Christmas with Mary, Mother of God. In addition, this January 1st marks the 44th World Day of Peace.
To the surprise of many the holy Father's talk for today focuses on religious freedom as the weapon for peace. In the first decade of the 21st century we have seen a resurgence of religious intolerance, in often subtle and not so subtle forms. Even some Christians have sought to suppress the religious freedom of others.
I invite you to read the Holy Father's address and pray as he does "May all men and women, and societies at every level and in every part of the earth, soon be able to experience religious freedom, the path to peace!"
PS. In case you were not aware the city of La Paz in Bolivia is actually Nuestra Señora de la Paz, Our Lady of Peace, one of the many titles for Mary our Mother we celebrate today.
