Catholic Church launches message of peace for Christmas and New Year in Mexico

Within the framework of the Christmas and New Year celebration, the bishops of Mexico expressed their desire that these holidays be an opportunity to build a country “more just and fraternal, where peace is not just a wish, but a reality that we build.” together day by day.”

In a statement issued by the Conference of the Mexican Episcopate (CEM), the prelates acknowledged that “this year has been particularly difficult for many of you. Violence has touched our communities and pain has been present in so many Mexican homes.”

Given this panorama, and taking advantage of the gathering of families “around the birth of Jesus, we want to approach their homes with a message of hope and closeness.”

In the message they recalled that “the birth of the Child Jesus reminds us that God never abandons us, on the contrary, he wanted to share our life, our joys and our sadness.”

“He did not come with power and wealth, but in the simplicity of a manger, to be close to the most humble,” the bishops noted.

This grace, they explained, is manifested today in multiple gestures of solidarity, such as those who “build peace, in the generosity of those who share with those most in need, in the courage of those who defend truth and justice.”

For this reason, they encouraged all Mexicans to be “that messenger that the prophet announces, bringing hope and comfort to where it is most needed.”

Inspired by the image of the manger, they pointed out that “it teaches us that God chooses simple paths to manifest his love, and calls us to walk together, pastors and faithful, in the construction of a more participatory and missionary Church.”

Finally, “sheltered under the maternal mantle of Saint Mary of Guadalupe,” the prelates concluded their message with a call to “renew our hope” to work for the country.