Tomorrow, we welcome 2007, which Christians all over the world, are praying to be a year of Peace and Unity amid the nagging tensions and rifts within and outside of nations and their borders. For believers of astrology, the concern for peace is also reflected in the forthcoming Year of the Pig in the Chinese calendar, the animal being known for its tolerant, modest, patient and peaceful side.

Regardless of who or what tells it - analysts of events or the stars - the foreseen atmosphere is one of greater violence, nagging stresses and explosive conflicts in the year ahead that we cannot help but strengthen our resolve to be more prayerful, optimistic and do our little share as effective messengers of peace to safeguard and promote the value of life and our environment.

No less than Pope Benedict XVI himself emphasized the value of human beings as the core of peace in his message, which we are running in a two-part series starting this issue.

One of the messengers of peace, hope and and knowledge is M/V Doulos, a floating book exposition whose international crew have become testimonials and living examples of peace and unity amid diversity of backgrounds, ways of life and colors. The ship came to Negros at a most joyful time - Christmas and New Year - making us wonder and ask how it is for its 300-plus volunteers to celebrate the holidays far from home and their loved ones. We spent an afternoon at the ship and, in our cover story, some of the ship volunteers have the answers to our question.

Our StarLife column-ist offer a more interesting reading fare this week - from a child's encounter of Christmas lights in Manila to young, singing mendicants, political concerns and a celebrity couple's sharing session on the values and virtues of parenting. On the lighter side, check out our backcover feature - a holiday art show in a missionary-couples home in the city which features about 50 works of a Negrense who translated into sculptures and paintings his love and pride for his province and its countryside industry.

New Year is just a day away. Let's be thankful to God for the great days in our lives, past and present. A happy, safe and peaceful 2007 to you, our readers. Cheers!