Peace for the Children of God:

O God, Help us to beat our swords into plowshares and our spears into pruning hooks, so that we may be able to live in peace and harmony, wiping away the tears from the eyes of those who are less fortunate than ourselves. And may we know war no more, as we strive to be what you want us to be: Your children.

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At the beginning of the year, we trust in your motherly "memory", O Mary! We set out on this special path of salvation history, which is kept alive in your heart as Mother of God. To you we entrust the days of the new year, the future of the Church, the future of humanity, the future of the entire universe. Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Peace, watch over us.

- Pope John Paul II the Great (January 1, 2000)

Mary, just as you helped Jesus grow in wisdom and grace, help us also to advance on the spiritual path which God has laid out for us.

—Images of Mary