By Amin Kef (Ranger)
President Dr. Julius Maada Bio marked the first day of 2026 with a powerful call for unity, empathy and national solidarity as he joined Catholic worshippers for New Year’s Day Mass at St Joseph Catholic Church in Tihun, Sogbini Chiefdom, Bonthe District.
The President attended the solemn service on Thursday, 1 January 2026, accompanied by First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio and members of his family, joining residents of his hometown to pray for a peaceful and prosperous year ahead.
The Mass coincided with the global Catholic celebration of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God; a feast observed on the first day of every year in honour of Mary’s motherhood and her role in salvation history.
This year’s commemoration was celebrated under the theme: “The Motherhood of Mary”, with prayers offered specifically for President Bio, his administration, the First Lady and for national unity and progress.
Parish leaders invited the congregation to reflect on the blessings and challenges of the past year, encouraging worshippers to enter 2026 with faith-filled expectation and a renewed spirit of gratitude. The scriptural readings, from the Book of Numbers, Galatians and the Gospel of Luke, focused on God’s promise of blessing, humanity’s adoption as God’s children and the naming of Jesus eight days after His birth.
Delivering the homily, Acting Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Patrick Vagahun reminded the congregation that God continues to speak to His people; not through prophets, but through His Son, Jesus Christ.
He encouraged worshippers to deepen their spiritual reflection throughout the year, emulating the example of the Virgin Mary, who “pondered God’s Word in her heart.”
Rev. Fr. Vagahun urged Sierra Leoneans to cultivate patience, humility and obedience to God’s message while praying for the nation’s leadership, families, communities and institutions.
Special prayers were offered for the President and his household, his Government and for peace, justice and prosperity in Sierra Leone.
In his message to the congregation, President Bio extended appreciation to God for the gift of life and for guiding Sierra Leone into another year.
He noted that despite global economic turbulence and ongoing recovery efforts, the country continues to stand strong because of the resilience, faith and optimism of its citizens.
The President said the dual significance of the day, as the start of a New Year and a religious feast celebrating Mary; offered Sierra Leoneans a reminder to nurture mutual respect and compassion.
He called on citizens to show empathy toward one another, strengthen the bonds of national unity and consolidate the peace gained over recent years.
“Let us begin 2026 with gratitude and with love for each other,” he said, urging Sierra Leoneans to remain hopeful and committed to building a more prosperous future.
The Mass concluded with blessings on the country, its leaders and its people, symbolizing renewed national purpose and shared aspirations for peace, growth and stability as Sierra Leone steps boldly into 2026.
