The Holy Father, Pope Francis on May 9, 2024, in front of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica delivered the papal bull, “Spes Non Confundit”, which means “Hope Does Not Disappoint”. By this declaration, the Holy Father announced the 2025 Jubilee of Hope. He centered the theme around pilgrimage and the promotion of peacebuilding, with the motto “Peregrinantes in Spem” (Pilgrims in hope).
The tradition of the Jubilee comes from the Bible, where every 50th year was a time for forgiveness, freeing captives, and letting the land rest. The 2025 Jubilee year will be celebrated from December 24, 2024, to January 6, 2026. It is a time for Catholics to renew their relationship with God, others, and creation, and to share the hope of the Christian faith with people around the world.
Here are 20 ways to engage Catholics in this celebration:
1. Organise Pilgrimage: Parish Communities, groups or even individuals should plan a pilgrimage to a sacred site in their local dioceses or to Rome and other holy places. This will avail their members an opportunity to deepen their faith and connect with others and equally foster spiritual growth.
2. Host Eucharistic Adorations: Frequent hosting of Eucharistic adorations, where Catholics can come together to pray and worship before the Blessed Sacrament. This will promote a deeper understanding of the Eucharist as the soul and summit of our Christian worship.
3. Jubilee Prayer Days: Designate specific days for prayer and reflection, encouraging Catholics to come together and pray for hope and renewal. This will foster a sense of community and spiritual connection.
4. Launch Jubilee Retreat: Organize a retreat that focuses on the theme of hope, providing Catholics with a chance to reflect, pray, and rejuvenate their faith. This offers a unique opportunity for spiritual growth.
5. Introduce Jubilee Catechesis: Develop catechetical programs that focus on the theme of hope, helping Catholics to deepen their understanding of their faith. This will promote spiritual growth and also education.
6. Establish Acts of Mercy Projects: Launch projects that promote acts of mercy, encouraging Catholics to put their faith into action. This promote a sense of compassion and service.
7. Open Spiritual Centres Locally: Establish local spiritual centers where Catholics can come together for prayer, reflection, and community building. This provides a welcoming space for spiritual growth and interaction.
8. Create Digital Engagement Platforms: Develop digital platforms that allow Catholics to engage with the Jubilee of Hope remotely, including online prayer groups, webinars, and social media campaigns. This expands the reach of the celebration.
9. Incorporate Hope in Sunday Homilies: Priests are encouraged to incorporate the theme of hope into their Sunday homilies. This, will provide Catholics with inspiration and guidance.
10. Youth and Children Programs: Develop programs specifically for youth and children, helping them to understand and engage with the theme of hope. This will maximally build spiritual growth and development in young Catholics.
11. Jubilee Workshop and Seminars: Host workshops and seminars that explore the theme of hope in-depth, providing Catholics with a chance to learn and reflect. This will be a great source of education and enlightenment on the theme of ‘hope.’
12. Organise Interfaith Dialogue: Organize interfaith dialogue events that bring together Catholics and people of other faiths to discuss the theme of hope. This will promote greater understanding and respect between different faith communities.
13. Distribute Jubilee Devotional Materials: Create and distribute devotional materials, such as prayer cards, booklets, and medals, that will help Catholics to engage with the Jubilee of Hope. This will provide a tangible reminder of the celebration.
14. Highlight Lives of the Saints: Highlight the lives and stories of saints who embodied hope, inspiring Catholics to follow their example. This will equally promote spiritual growth and devotion.
15. Encourage Sacramental Participation: Encourage Catholics to participate in the sacraments, particularly reconciliation and the Eucharist, as a way of deepening their faith and experiencing hope.
16. Organise Community Outreach Programs: Organize community outreach programs that provide support and service to those in need. This will also help Catholics to put their faith into action, and develop a sense of compassion and service.
17. Host Cultural Celebration: Host cultural celebrations that showcase the diversity and richness of Catholic traditions, helping Catholics to connect with their heritage and faith. This will build a sense of community and belonging.
18. Create Jubilee Art and Exhibition: Create art and exhibitions that reflect the theme of hope. This, will provide Catholics with a unique way to engage with the celebration. It will also promote creativity and self-expression.
19. Develop Jubilee Educational Curricular: Develop educational curricula that incorporate the theme of hope, helping Catholics to deepen their understanding of their faith. This will also greatly promote spiritual growth and education.
20. Launch a Jubilee Hope Fund: Establish a fund that supports initiatives and projects that promote hope and renewal, providing Catholics with a way to contribute to the celebration. This fosters a sense of generosity and solidarity.
The 2025 Jubilee of Hope offers numerous opportunities for spiritual renewal and celebration. The faithful can obtain up to two indulgences per day, including receiving communion twice a day. The Pope will grant plenary indulgence to Jubilee pilgrims on December 24, when the Holy Door of Saint Peter’s Basilica opens. The Jubilee logo featuring four figures embracing each other, represents solidarity and brotherhood, with the motto “Peregrinantes in Spem” (Pilgrims in hope).
Leave feedback about this