Latin Patriarch on World Day of Peace

January 03, 2013: In his homily for liturgical celebrations on the Feast of Mary, Mother of God, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Fouad Twal said Pope Benedict XVI’s message for the World Day of Peace also celebrated on January 1, “encourages each of us to feel responsible for building peace.”

Undoubtedly referring to the continued tensions between Israelis and Palestinians in the Holy Land and unrest throughout the region, the Patriarch said the Pope also offers a tool for reflection to overcome ‘violent conflicts’, “and the hotbeds of tension and conflict caused by growing instances of inequality between rich and poor, by the prevalence of a selfish and individualistic mindset which also finds expression in an unregulated financial capitalism.”

While addressing the faithful at the Cathedral of the Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem, he said ‘this day is dedicated to the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God and our Mother. She will know better than anyone to intercede for her sons and daughters who live in the Holy Land and who desire peace in the Middle East.
For today’s special celebration, he said Pope Benedict XVI has sent a message full of wisdom and petition, the theme of which is taken from the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the peacemakers.” The Holy Father invites all men and women of good will to work together to build a society with a more human and sympathetic expression. In this perspective, the Pope has devoted much of his message to “true” workers of peace, namely, “those who love, defend and promote life in its entirety.” His annual Message encourages each of us to feel responsible for building peace, he added.