How should Catholics welcome 2026?

A Catholic parish in Makati City reminded the public to keep God’s presence in mind – and not superstitious or folk beliefs – in welcoming the New Year.

On Wednesday, Rev. Fr. Ramon Merino, parochial vicar of the Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Makati City, shared 10 reminders for Catholics to take note while celebrating 2026:

• There is no need to gather round fruits or wear polka dots-patterned clothes to bring in money as only God provides.
• There is no need to use noise to drive away evil spirits, as the Hail Mary prayer is enough against the devil.
• There is no need to wear red clothes for good luck as God is with us in difficult times.
• Do not pay debts during the New Year, but on the promised due date.
• Shaking coins does not bring prosperity, as it is caused by your own hard work, integrity, and generosity.
• Eating long noodles does not guarantee long life, but healthy living does.
• Sweeping on New Year does not mean sweeping away luck, since God is always constant.
• New Year is a holy day of obligation, so you must go to Mass and thank God for your blessings in the past year.
• Plan ahead for 2026, but remember to also trust in God’s plans.
• The more superstitious practices we follow, the less trust we put in God.

Catholic teachings also note that belief in superstition is a violation of the First Commandment, which stated that Catholics shall have no other gods.

According to the Vatican Catechism, superstition is viewed as a “perverse excess of religion” that can affect the way an individual worships or places their faith in God.

It added that to fall into superstition is to attribute the extent of prayers as mere external performance, as superstition is a deviation from religious feeling and practices.

Meanwhile, Merino also reminded the public that January 1 is the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, a holy day of obligation for Catholics.

“Let us seek for the intercession of our Lady that she may implore her maternal care to us as we enter the New Year of 2026,” his post added. — JMA, GMA Integrated News