We begin this new year of 2016 celebrating the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God and the World Day of Peace.  Let us unite with Pope Francis and pray that through the “intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Mother, who cares for the needs of our human family, that she may obtain from her Son Jesus, the Prince of Peace, the granting of our prayers and the blessing of our daily efforts for a fraternal and united world.” (Pope Francis World Day of Peace Message 2016)