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The Basilica of Saint Anthony in Padua will join in celebrating Sunday of the Word of God on 22 January. This initiative was spearheaded by Pope Francis in his effort to place the Holy Scriptures at the centre of life along with the Eucharist.

The celebration in the Basilica on Sunday 22 January at 11.00am will include a special ritual: the enthronement and the incensing of the Gospel. Moreover, during the whole celebration in the presbytery, the Gospel will remain exposed.

At the end of every year, we tend to look back at the big events which played a major part in our lives. And one of the main events that has unfortunately dominated the year we are about to leave and will continue to dominate next year is war. The war in Ukraine, of course, but also all the other conflicts, large and small, which continue to devastate the world.

Therefore, at the start of 2023, we are urged by Pope Francis to pray first of all for peace: “ Lord, come to our aid! Open our eyes and our hearts, and give us the courage to say: ‘Never again war!’.”