January 22, 2026

“Learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.”

(Isaiah 1:17, NABRE)


As we begin a new calendar year, the Church calls us to renewed commitment to justice, peace, and the care of our common home. January brings moments of prayerful remembrance and prophetic witness—from the World Day of Peace to Martin Luther King Jr. Day—inviting us to resist despair and recommit ourselves to the Gospel mandate to protect human dignity. In a world marked by violence, displacement, and ecological crisis, even small acts of faith-filled advocacy and solidarity become signs of hope.

Member Feature

Ministries Develop Resources for Immigration Advocacy, Support


In collaboration with the Hope Border Institute, the Center for Migration Studies, associated with CMSM-member community the Scalabrinians, will join "forces to help dioceses and archdioceses organize themselves to respond pastorally, publicly and materially to the plight of immigrants and their families" in an initiative called "Catholic Impact (Catholic Immigrant Prophetic Action Project)." Read more in this America Magazine article.


Communities interested in organizing may benefit from this guide, put together in August 2025 by Jesuit Refugee Services, Justice for Immigrants, the Hope Border Institute, and USCCB, on local advocacy for immigration.

Initiatives

Initiatives for Respect Life Month 9 Days for Life Novena (January 16–24)


The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities invites Catholics to join the annual 9 Days for Life Novena, a focused time of prayer for the protection of all human life. Additionally, the National Prayer Vigil for Life will be held on January 22, uniting Catholics nationwide in prayer for the protection of human life. The vigil emphasizes prayer, repentance, and hope as central to the Church’s pro-life witness in a challenging cultural and political climate.


Poverty Awareness Month Invites Reflection and Action on Economic Justice


January is Poverty Awareness Month, an annual observance highlighting the realities faced by people living in poverty across the United States and the systems that perpetuate economic inequality. Sponsored by the U.S. bishops’ Catholic Campaign for Human Development, the initiative invites Catholics to pray, learn, and act in solidarity with those most affected by injustice. It emphasizes addressing root causes of poverty through participation, accompaniment, and advocacy rooted in Catholic social teaching.


Read more here.

News

Pope Calls the World to Protect Even the Smallest Signs of Peace


In his message for the World Day of Peace, Pope Leo XIV urges individuals, nations, and institutions to resist despair amid rising polarization and violence by actively cultivating peace in daily life. He reminds the faithful that peace is not passive but must be nurtured through dialogue, solidarity, and hope rooted in God’s enduring love. The pope’s message echoes Catholic social teaching’s insistence that peace is built on justice and respect for human dignity, especially in fragile global contexts.


Read more here.


What Does It Mean to Be a “Drum Major for Justice”?


Reflecting on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Archbishop Paul Coakley challenges Catholics to embrace servant leadership rooted in humility, solidarity, and love of neighbor. He reminds the faithful that true greatness is found not in power or prestige, but in advancing justice and peace for those on the margins. The reflection invites renewed commitment to racial justice and Gospel-centered advocacy as an expression of discipleship. 


Read more here.


Catholic Groups Say U.S. Exit from Climate Treaty Abandons Moral Responsibility


Catholic organizations are criticizing the U.S. decision to withdraw from a foundational international climate treaty, warning that the move undermines global cooperation and disproportionately harms the poor. Advocates stress that climate commitments are moral obligations rooted in care for creation and solidarity with vulnerable communities already suffering the effects of environmental degradation. The response echoes Catholic social teaching’s call for wealthy nations to lead with responsibility and courage in addressing the climate crisis.


Read more here.


Pope Warns Diplomats of Rising Global Violence and the Erosion of Human Life


Addressing diplomats accredited to the Holy See, Pope Leo XIV warned that growing global violence and disregard for human life threaten the moral foundations of international relations. He called for renewed commitment to diplomacy rooted in truth, justice, and the protection of the most vulnerable, including civilians caught in conflict. The address reinforces the Church’s insistence that peace cannot be separated from the defense of life and human rights at every stage. 


Read more here.


Laudato Si' Action Platform Releases Annual Report


The Laudato Si’ Action Platform has released its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting how Catholic dioceses, parishes, schools, religious communities, and families worldwide are advancing integral ecology in concrete ways. The report underscores steady growth in participation and emphasizes that care for creation remains a core expression of faith, solidarity, and hope.


Read more here.

Contact CMSM JPIC


Dr. David Rohrer Budiash, Director of Programs & Managing Editor, Review for Religious

Visit us online: cmsm.org/justiceandpeace  


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