Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula has delivered a powerful New Year's message, centering his prayers on peace and hope for all Filipinos as they step into 2026. The prelate's call comes after a year marked by turmoil and challenges for the nation.
A Prayer for True Peace in the Philippines and Beyond
In his address, Cardinal Advincula expressed his alignment with Pope Leo XIV on the urgent need to pray for peace across the world, with a special focus on the Philippines. He acknowledged the deep yearning of the Filipino people for stability and progress, a desire that has often felt unmet.
"Like most of you, I often feel the scourge of a people, who have been wanting peace and progress, but to no avail," the Cardinal shared. He emphasized that while the world needs peace, the Philippines needs it even more.
However, Advincula clarified that the peace he prays for is not merely the absence of conflict. "I echo with deep conviction that peace is not achieved by force or fear, but by a disarmed heart and a disarming way of life," he stated. He described true peace as something that begins within each person, rejects violence, and flourishes through humility, dialogue, mercy, and trust.
Facing the New Year with Unwavering Hope
Beyond peace, the Cardinal highlighted hope as the second essential pillar for navigating the coming year. He recognized the temptation to succumb to cynicism but firmly declared that Filipinos are fundamentally a people of hope.
"The cynical among us would give up and abandon the struggle. But we are a people of hope," Advincula asserted. He encouraged the faithful to approach 2026 not with all the answers, but with a foundation of courage and faith.
To embody this spirit, he pointed to the example of the Virgin Mary. He urged everyone to welcome the new year with "the heart of Mary open to mystery, attentive in discernment, questioning without fear, and anchored in trust."
Message Follows Solemn Feast Day Celebration
The Cardinal's hopeful message follows his leading of the significant Misa Mayor for the Feast of Jesus Nazareno at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Thursday, January 9, 2025. This major religious event set a reflective tone for the year's end.
As the global community said goodbye to 2025 and ushered in 2026 this past Thursday, Cardinal Advincula's words serve as a spiritual guidepost for millions of Filipino Catholics and all citizens seeking light in the new year.
