CINCINNATI — The Archdiocese of Cincinnati will celebrate the Catholic Church’s 48th World Day of Peace with two special Masses on Friday, Jan. 1.

Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr will preside at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Chains in downtown Cincinnati. Auxiliary Bishop Joseph R. Binzer will preside at St. Albert the Great Church in Kettering, also at 11 a.m. Both Masses will be followed by a reception with light refreshments.

Catholics around the globe have celebrated New Year’s Day as World Day of Peace since 1968. Pope Francis has announced the theme this year as “Overcome indifference to win peace.” The Vatican explains: “Indifference in regard to the scourges of our time is one of the fundamental causes of the lack of peace.”

At these Masses during this Jubilee Year of Mercy, the local church will celebrate the prophetic work of local ministries that overcome indifference and fulfill the corporal and spiritual works of mercy through service and social justice. The Masses are co-sponsored by the archdiocesan offices of Catholic Social Action, Worship and Mission.