Archbishop Eamon Martin

Dwelling at length on the meaning of the sign of peace at Mass, the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland – Eamon Martin – has called Christians to be signs of peace for each other, and for the world, during 2026 – even online.

Speaking at Mass in Armagh to welcome in the New Year, Archbishop Martin  said, “The Church understands this action – the sign of peace at Mass – as an expression of deep commitment to bringing to life the Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ.  By sharing His words, ‘Peace be with you’, with the persons beside us, we are undertaking to spread the peace of Christ in our daily lives – by our thoughts, words and deeds and in our many interactions with others – at home, in the work place, at school, and in social encounters.  I urge you to consider making a New Year’s resolution to be a sign of peace wherever you go this year.”

Speaking of social media he said, “I am saddened when I see people of faith online who seem ‘armed to the teeth’, and who persist in “othering” and accentuating difference.  It is particularly disappointing when you see this from Christians online who label and dismiss others because of their race, religion or some other perceived difference.  This is not of God.”

Archbishop Martin referenced  Pope Leo’s New Year message where the Holy Father writes, “Unfortunately, it has become increasingly common to drag the language of faith into political battles, to bless nationalism, and to justify violence and armed struggle in the name of religion.  Believers must actively refute, above all by the witness of their lives, these forms of blasphemy that profane the holy name of God.”

To read a more complete report of the Archbishop’s New Year message, click here.