Vatican, 31 December, 2023 / 7:55 pm (ACI Africa).
Pope Francis rang in the new year and gave thanks for 2023 at a special New Year’s Eve Vatican liturgy, underscoring that faith allows Christians “to live this hour differently than a worldly mentality.”
“Faith in Jesus Christ, God incarnate, born of the Virgin Mary, gives a new way of feeling time that is life,” the pope said during his homily at the Dec. 31 liturgy in St. Peter’s Basilica, summing up this unique perspective with the words “gratitude and hope.”
The pope offered his reflection while presiding at the annual celebration of “first vespers,” or evening prayer, for the vigil of the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, the first liturgical day of the new calendar year. The liturgy in St. Peter’s Basilica also included the singing of “Te Deum Laudaumus,” a hymn of thanksgiving sung on New Year’s Eve in gratitude for the past year.
The pope contrasted Christian gratitude and hope with worldly versions of these virtues that are only “apparent” and lack a deeper connection with God and all of humanity.
Pope Francis presides at the annual celebration of “first vespers,” or evening prayer, for the vigil of the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, in St. Peter’s Basilica on Dec. 31, 2023. Credit: Vatican Media
Pope Francis presides at the annual celebration of “first vespers,” or evening prayer, for the vigil of the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, in St. Peter’s Basilica on Dec. 31, 2023. Credit: Vatican Media
