Happy New Year, Dear Friends,

We have just joyfully celebrated the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and I hope you all had a blessed and peaceful time with your families.

In a few days’ time, as we usher in the New Year 2026, our attention now turns to the Blessed Virgin Mary. On January 1st, we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. This is a profoundly significant celebration as we begin this new year under her special title.

This is because, from our own experience, we understand the indispensable role mothers play in our lives. They are often the first source of comfort, providing a soothing, uplifting, and stabilizing presence amidst all kinds of crises. Whether navigating the struggles of youth, mid-life challenges, sickness, or fractured relationships, a mother’s heart is often the first sanctuary we run to. Their deep, unconditional love helps us find solutions and peace.

This is precisely why the Church begins the new year with the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. By honoring Mary in her highest title, we are reminded that she is the Mother who brought forth the source of all life, Jesus Christ, making her the perfect paradigm for our own lives of faith. Just as we rely on our earthly mothers for comfort, protection, and a path to growth, we look to Mary as the spiritual mother given to us by Christ on the cross, who constantly brings us closer to her Son.

Thus, the saying “to Jesus through Mary”! Beginning the year under her maternal gaze is, therefore, a powerful commitment to imitate her humility, faith, and dedication to God's will, ensuring that our first steps of the new year lead us closer to her son.

As we begin this New Year, let us also reflect on the past twelve months with gratitude. During this year, there is no doubt that God has blessed us most abundantly, but many of us may have also been severely battered by the challenges of life. Many may have faced personal calamities—the loss of dear ones, job insecurity, or profound disappointments. Yet, as people of faith, we can proudly testify that despite all these, we were never broken, nor conquered, nor stopped in our progress.

This resilience is possible because our faith in God has never wavered. Through every storm, our Mother Mary and her beloved Son Jesus have been with us, upholding us in grace and love, whether we consciously knew it or not. So, let us embrace the coming year with renewed trust, knowing that when we allow her, our Blessed Mother will intercede and do anything for us. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Our Mother, Pray for us!

I love you!

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