Simon SENAYA

 

A formator at the Seminary of Saints Peter & Paul Bodija Ibadan, Rev. Fr. Joseph Young Aniaga, has urged Christians to embrace the new year with faith, prayer, and total trust in God, assuring them that divine grace will see them through whatever the year may bring.

Delivering his homily at the New Year’s Day Mass marking the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Mokola, Ibadan, Fr. Aniaga described the Church’s celebration of Mary at the very dawn of the year as deeply symbolic and spiritually reassuring.

According to him, the Church, in her wisdom, places Mary, the Mother of God, before the faithful at the beginning of the year to remind them of her powerful intercession. He noted that whenever Christians call upon Mary with faith, she readily intercedes for them before her Son, Jesus Christ.

Fr. Aniaga emphasized that prayer remains the greatest necessity at the start of every New Year, stressing that although no one knows what the year holds, faith in God guarantees victory over uncertainties and challenges.

“Every New Year is fresh, and we do not know what it comes with,” he said. “But with faith in God, we shall overcome. No matter the situation or difficulty, God will surely come through for us if we place everything in His hands.”

He encouraged parishioners to remove fear from their hearts and replace it with complete trust in God, assuring them that God has good plans for His children. He added that approaching the New Year with a clear heart and mind is essential to receiving God’s blessings.

Speaking further on the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Fr. Aniaga reminded the congregation that Mary, as the Mother of Christ who is God, is always ready to intercede for humanity. He urged the faithful to continually seek her motherly support throughout the year.

The priest also reflected on New Year resolutions, cautioning that every resolution would be tested. He advised parishioners to remain determined, consistent, and disciplined in pursuing their spiritual and personal goals.

Fr. Aniaga called on the faithful to ask God for mercy, grace, and strength, noting that no one can choose to do God’s will without divine grace. He urged them to pray for the willingness to always choose what is right, even in difficult circumstances.

“Do not be afraid of what the year brings,” he said. “Ask God for the grace and strength to do His will, and always choose forgiveness.”

 

He concluded by encouraging Christians to walk through the year with faith, forgiveness, and confidence in God’s unfailing love, assuring them that with prayer and trust in God, all will be well.

The Parish Priest and his Assistant, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Eseola and Rev. Fr. Paul Aniwondo, respectively together with the parishioners, expressed their appreciation for the presence of Rev. Fr. Joseph Young Aniaga at the Parish Vigil and New Year Mass.