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Peace Sunday, observed this year on 18 January, invites Catholics across England and Wales to join in prayer for peace: peace in our world, in our communities, and within our own hearts.
The Bishops of England and Wales remind us that the work of peacemaking is not reserved for a few, but entrusted to each of us as followers of Christ.
This message resonates deeply with Pope Leo XIV’s theme for the World Day of Peace, “Peace to you all: towards an ‘unarmed and disarming’ peace”. In a world scarred by violence, division and uncertainty, the Pope’s words call us to a renewed and courageous commitment to peace. His full message can be read on the Vatican website: https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/messages/peace/documents/20251208-messaggio-pace.html
Pope Leo reminds us that “Peace be with you”, the greeting of the Risen Christ, is far more than a hopeful wish. It is something transformative: “Not merely desire for peace but brings about a lasting transformation in those who receive it… Peace wants to dwell within us. Humble and persevering, it has the gentle power to enlighten our understanding; it resists and overcomes violence.”
He warns that when peace is not actively lived and safeguarded, aggression finds its way into both domestic and public life. Fear then shapes our worldview, leading many to accept the narrative that war is inevitable, even necessary.
Yet the Pope insists that true peace can never be built on fear, weapons, threats or deterrence. Instead, it grows through trust, dialogue and a willingness to resolve conflict with open hearts. “Let us welcome Peace, rather than believing it to be impossible.”
Even amidst destruction and despair, he notes, people continue to witness to peace, refusing to forget its possibility. His message concludes with a powerful invitation to every Christian: “To begin within themselves to disarm heart, mind and life.” St Augustine’s wisdom echoes this call: “If you wish to draw others to peace, first have it yourselves. To inflame others, you must have the flame burning within.”
Peace Sunday is also an opportunity to highlight the work of Pax Christi, the international Catholic movement for peace and nonviolence. Rooted in the Gospel and active in more than 50 countries, Pax Christi empowers individuals and communities to build a world free from fear and violence. Their mission is grounded in the belief that peace is not passive; it is cultivated through prayer, education, courageous witness and practical action.
Pax Christi’s work includes:
• Providing peace education in schools, youth groups and parishes
• Promoting active nonviolence as the Christian response to conflict
• Challenging cultures of militarism and the assumption that violence solves problems
• Campaigning against the arms trade and for the abolition of nuclear weapons
• Advocating for a just and lasting peace in Palestine and Israel
Those wishing to support Pax Christi, whether through membership or a donation, can find more information at:
www.paxchristi.org.uk
https://paxchristi.net/
As we mark Peace Sunday, may our prayers and actions help to build the peace our world so urgently needs. May we each take up the challenge to become peacemakers, allowing Christ’s peace to transform our hearts and, through us, the world.
