VATICAN (CNS): “A world that looks to the future without a mother’s gaze is shortsighted,” Pope Francis said in his homily for the Mass of feast of Mother of God, at St. Peter’s Basilica, on January 1.
 
“It may well increase its profits, but it will no longer see others as children. It will make money, but not for everyone. We will all dwell in the same house, but not as brothers and sisters,” he said.
 

JAKARTA (UCAN): Aminullah Usman, mayor of Banda Aceh, the provincial capital of Aceh, said on December 18 that letters have been sent out warning people “not to hold parties, set off fireworks, and blow horns” on New Year’s Eve.
 
“These practices are not in accordance with Islamic Shariah law,” he said, adding, “Muslims have their own special celebration, which is the Hijri New Year.” 
 
This year the Hijri New Year fell on September 11.
 

VATICAN (SE): Pope Francis leaves no doubt as to what he is addressing in his January 1 Message for Peace, which begins with the words, “God is not indifferent! God cares about mankind! God does not abandon us!”