Statement from Bishop Burbidge regarding
World Day of Peace 2019

Thursday, December 20, 2018

In communion with our Holy Father, Pope Francis, I encourage the faithful of our diocese to recall the tradition of observing January 1 as the World Day of Peace. 

Pope Francis has reflected on the theme of “Good politics at the service of peace” in his annual message, and I recommend this document for your prayerful reading and reflection: http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/peace/documents/papa-francesco_20181208_messaggio-52giornatamondiale-pace2019.html

Pope Francis specifically reminds us that we must pray that our political leaders be people who practice all of the human virtues, but above all charity, in promoting the common good, human rights, and especially the first and most fundamental right, the right to life.  He also asks us to pray that our political leaders will avoid such vices as corruption, greed, and all forms of racism and division. 

With our Holy Father, I wholeheartedly encourage young people to join those already in positions of leadership to establish an environment of trust in our communities, our country, and our world, so that we might create conditions that reflect the values of the gospel of Jesus.  We make these prayers through the intercession of our Lady, whom we honor as Mother of God on January 1, and whom we also name Queen of Peace.