Happy New Year! With the new year comes renewed hope, a new direction, and a new beginning. With hearts filled with hope, we open the first day of 2026 with our focus on the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Mother of God.

Here is an orienting quote for this reflection. In speaking of the Blessed Mother, Archbishop Sheen said:

She can lift the fear, because her foot crushed the serpent of evil; she can do away with dread, because she stood at the foot of the Cross when human guilt was washed away and we were reborn in Christ.

— Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. From his book “The World’s First Love: Mary, Mother of God”

It is most fitting that we turn to Mary at the start of the New Year. As the Mother blessed among all women, she has confronted fear and faced the crucifixion of her Son with boldness rooted in her Immaculate Conception.

Before saying more about this idea of Mary, let’s look at the month named January.

January is named after the Roman god Janus. Janus is the god of beginnings, gates, transitions, and doorways.

Janus symbolizes the middle ground between life and death, civilization and barbarism, youth and adulthood, beginning and end. He is depicted with two faces looking in opposite directions, symbolizing his ability to simultaneously see the past and the future, thus mastering time itself. He is also traditionally shown holding keys, as he is the divine guardian of gates, doors, and thresholds, having access to heaven and all other gods.

Instead of the dual-faced Janus, we look to Mary, the Mother of God, for guidance in the new year. She is our Mother who, with a heart open to God’s will, helps us to both reflect on the past and move forward into the future. Mary, with Christ as the door, helps us lock away what is harmful and open up grace-filled paths that lead us closer to her Son.

Approach the new year with resolve to find the opportunities hidden in each new day. Let’s make this year extraordinary. And remember, we do not have to do it alone. We have Mary and all the saints who will help us along the way to follow Jesus.

Has this post been meaningful? I invite you to share your experience on the Testimonial Page found here. Your story helps this community flourish and inspires others to join us on this journey. I am deeply grateful for your presence.