The Roman Catholic Church in Saint Lucia has declared 2026 the “Year of Men,” signaling a renewed pastoral focus on strengthening the spiritual leadership of men across families, parishes, and the wider society.
The announcement was made by Archbishop Gabriel Malzaire during his New Year’s address, as he reflected on what he described as a year of grace and growth for the local church and set the tone for the year ahead.
“As we continue building the church together as Pilgrims of Hope, our special pastoral focus will be on encouraging, forming, and supporting men in their roles as disciples, leaders in the family, witnesses in society, and servants within the church,” Archbishop Malzaire said.
He emphasized that the initiative is intended to place men at the forefront of faith-based leadership, equipping them to play a more active and transformative role within the church and the nation.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Archbishop also offered prayers for unity, peace, and spiritual renewal among the faithful. “May the Prince of Peace bless you and your loved ones this Christmas. And may the new year bring renewed faith, deeper unity, and abiding hope,” he said.
Archbishop Malzaire stressed the importance of allowing faith to shape everyday life, urging believers to reflect Christ in all spheres of society. “That Christ may be reborn in the hearts of each of us, in our families, our parishes, our workplaces, and our nation,” he said. “May his presence shape our attitudes, guide our decisions, and inspire us to live with greater faith, compassion, and generosity.”
Church officials say the Year of Men will feature targeted programmes and initiatives aimed at spiritual formation, mentorship, and greater involvement of men in parish life, as the Roman Catholic Church in Saint Lucia continues its mission of shared responsibility and hope for the future.