Our Lady of Guadalupe (Feast Day)
The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 12) honours the Virgin Mary’s apparitions to Juan Diego, an Indigenous convert. The Basilica in Mexico City, where his cloak with her image is preserved, is a major pilgrimage site. Pope John Paul II’s visit 25 years ago led to his apostolic exhortation Ecclesia in America, calling for a new evangelization under the patronage of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas. Members are invited to pray the attached prayer in joyful anticipation of Christ’s birth.
Webinar – A Look at Migration: Opening Hearts and Minds
On the occasion of International Migrants Day, we invite you to join the webinar, organised by WUCWO's Working Group Migrants and Refugees. The event aims to provide a comprehensive view of migration, not only from the perspective of migrants themselves but also from those who welcome them. Together, we will listen to the voices of migrants and those who accompany them, exploring how faith, humanity, and solidarity can transform our communities. Through testimonies and reflections from Africa, Europe, and Latin America, this event will highlight the challenges and hopes that migration brings. 📅 Date: December 18 🕒 Time: 3:30 pm – 5 pm (Rome time) 🌐 Online Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UNRUKv8EQ1iMRxIEu7Mw5A#/registration
World Day of Peace
World Day of Peace, celebrated on January 1, 2025, focuses on the theme Forgive us our trespasses: grant us your peace, chosen by Pope Francis. Linked to the Jubilee Year, the theme emphasizes hope, forgiveness and unity. The message, inspired by Laudato Si’ and Fratelli Tutti, calls for lasting peace through personal and global change. Pope Francis urges Catholics to be disarmed in heart, foster forgiveness, selflessness and justice, turn anxiety into hope, and build a better world and true peace beyond human compromises. Members are urged to greet the New Year by joining the Holy Father in his prayer for forgiveness and peace.
Epiphany of the Lord (Solemnity)
Happy New Year! On Sunday, January 4th, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. It is the manifestation of our Lord to the whole world; after being made known to the shepherds of Bethlehem He is revealed to the Magi who have come from the East to adore Him. Let us acknowledge and witness together this epiphanic revelation of God, whose salvation is for all.
St. Andre Bessette (Memorial)
Following the Epiphany of the Lord, Catholic Canadians memorialize St. André Bessette and his deep devotion to Saint Joseph. Known as Brother André, he was the porter at College Notre Dame in Montreal, welcoming visitors and inviting them to pray through St. Joseph’s intercession. This led to the creation of a small chapel, which later became St. Joseph’s Oratory. As the patron of family caregivers, St. André’s intercession for the sick and afflicted can be sought by praying the attached prayer.