December 2025

The Santuário do Bom Jesus do Monte, in the Archdiocese of Braga, will mark World Peace Day on 1 January 2026 with a Eucharistic celebration, scheduled for 11 a.m. in the basilica.

“In an international context marked by armed conflicts, geopolitical tensions, and growing religious intolerance, this celebration aims to appeal to collective consciousness on the urgency of building lasting peace,” the Archdiocese of Braga stated.

In a note published on its website, reference is made to the conflict in Ukraine, which Pope Leo XIV has repeatedly addressed, highlighting “the suffering of millions of people and the need for paths of reconciliation based on dialogue, justice, and respect for international law.”

The Santuário do Bom Jesus do Monte will also join the “appeal for interreligious peace, drawing attention to regions where Christians continue to be persecuted, notably in Nigeria, as well as to all communities that are victims of violence and religious discrimination.”

The Mass will include the presence of the Luz da Paz de Belém 2025, which traveled approximately 5,300 kilometers to reach Bom Jesus do Monte on 21 December, brought by Scouts from the Braga Region.

“This simple yet deeply symbolic gesture reminds us that peace is born from concrete actions, sharing, and the daily commitment of every person and every community,” the Archdiocese noted.

The Santuário do Bom Jesus do Monte invites pilgrims and the wider community to join in a common prayer for world peace.

Since 2019, Bom Jesus do Monte has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), embracing one of its fundamental pillars: the promotion of peace through culture and heritage.

Source: Agência Ecclesia (photographs and text)