What prayers and readings should be used for Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours on January 1st?
Only the prayers and readings for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God may be used on this day. However, these liturgical and scriptural texts are rich with reflections on our search for peace. These, or similar themes, might well be incorporated into the homily. Likewise, the General Intercessions could appropriately include petitions like the following: For President Bush and the members of Congress, That they may seek the way of peace, with wisdom and strength; We pray to the Lord: For all the victims of war and destruction: for their healing and peace; We pray to the Lord: For children orphaned by violence, and for those widowed by war; We pray to the Lord: For the members of our armed services, that God might send an angel to guard them, then to return them safely to those who love them; We pray to the Lord: For an end to all war and violence, that Christ’s peace might prevail; We pray to the Lord: • What aspects of the scriptural readings or prayers for the Solemnity of the Bless
