At the end of every year, we tend to look back at the big events which played a major part in our lives. And one of the main events that has unfortunately dominated the year we are about to leave and will continue to dominate next year is war. The war in Ukraine, of course, but also all the other conflicts, large and small, which continue to devastate the world.
Therefore, at the start of 2023, we are urged by Pope Francis to pray first of all for peace: “ Lord, come to our aid! Open our eyes and our hearts, and give us the courage to say: ‘Never again war!’.”
Of course, we’ll have to deal with many other issues in the New Year: climate change, the pandemic, the energy crisis, discrimination, intolerance... However, let us not forget to be thankful to the Lord for all his blessings and never lose heart.
Like Mary, the Mother of God, like St. Anthony, the world's most beloved Saint, let us place our trust in God. Even in difficult times, let’s remember that the Lord, in his mercy and love, will never abandon us
On behalf of all the friars of St Anthony's Basilica in Padua, Italy: HAPPY NEW YEAR! May God bless you with his redeeming grace and grant healing, lasting joy and peace to you and your loved ones.
For the video https://youtu.be/nkpz4TTwTZQ