New Year’s Day Masses to include special prayers for peace in Syria
New Year’s Day Masses celebrated across the Maltese Islands will include special prayers for peace in Syria, the Maltese Archbishop has decreed.
Archbishop Charles Scicluna had used the nativity as an example to show the population the importance of accepting refugees in his annual Christmas reception at the Curia recently.
“Joseph had to flee Israel and seek refuge in Egypt to save Jesus and his mother. Jesus took his first steps and lived his early years as a refugee,” Mgr Scicluna said “This reminds us of the importance of the work carried out by civil society and the Maltese government in favour of the dignity of our brothers who have special needs.”
A nationwide Syrian ceasefire brokered by Russia and Turkey went into effect on Friday despite minor violations, marking a potential breakthrough in a conflict that has disregarded high-level peace initiatives for over five years.
The ceasefire does not extend to extremist groups such as ISIS. The Associated Press reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin had ordered the Russian military to scale down its presence in Syria, but did not say how many troops and weapons will be withdrawn. He said Russia will continue “fighting international terrorism in Syria” and supporting Assad’s military.
The Associated Press also said that the ceasefire is to be followed by renewed peace negotiations to end the nearly six-year conflict. “Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says Egypt will be invited to join the process, and that Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Jordan could eventually join as well.”