As never before in history common destiny begs us to seek a new beginning.  Let ours be a time remembered for the awakening of a new reverence for life, the firm resolve to achieve sustainability, the quickening of the struggle for justice and peace and the joyful celebration of life. LS207 Earth Charter

For an introduction to the monthly theme FAMILY BEGINNINGS go to https://marfam.org.za/2022/01/01/2022-january-monthly-theme-family-beginnings/

January 1. Mary Mother of God.  World Day of Prayer for Peace.  New Year’s Day. The Lord lift up his face to you and give you peace. Already before the end of the year a small task team of members from Family Life and Justice and Peace groups had met and recommended to Father Fabio that all the families, those present and those remaining at home, should be offered a New Year blessing.  The well-known blessing from the book of Numbers chapter 6, would have a small addition from Pope Francis’ message on this World Day of Prayer for Peace and also include Mary whose feastday it is today.  Paula explained, “In that way God’s role in the issues that face us is recognised right from the beginning of the year.”   Becoming an eco-friendly family:  check out the 7 LS goals on www.laudatosiactionplatform.org

BLESSING PRAYER: The Lord lift up his face to you and give you peace, in your homes and in our common home, in the human family and the family of families, of all of creation.  May Mary, Mother of the Prince of Peace and Mother of all the peoples of the earth, accompany and sustain us at every step of our journey of reconciliation.”   Pope Francis. In his message for the 2022 World Day of Peace Pope Francis writes, “Although technological and economic development has tended to create a divide between generations, our current crises show the urgent need for an intergenerational partnership. Education must be viewed as an investment, rather than an expenditure, which is vital for “promoting integral human development. Greater educational training will help facilitate more dignified employment opportunities in the labor market, which will also help counter the rise of violence and organized crime around the globe.”  In concluding his peace message, Francis acknowledges the myriad of ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted human relationships, economic opportunities and exacerbated inequalities. He concludes, “Church and world leaders alike, along with all people of goodwill must walk together with courage and creativity on the path of intergenerational dialogue, education and work.”