We gather this morning in joyful celebration as we embark on a sacred journey, launching the Jubilee Year of Hope in 2025.
This Jubilee is a gift and a calling, a time to:
renew our faith,
rekindle our hope, and
deepen our love for God and one another.
The theme of hope resonates deeply in our hearts as we face the challenges and uncertainties of the world. We stand as a people anchored in Christ, the unshakable hope of our lives.
Jubilee Logo
The Jubilee Logo has four individuals representing people from the so-called four corners of the globe. They are sailing through turbulent waters but confident, hope filled, holding tightly to the Cross of Jesus of Jesus and firmly anchored in faith.
Anchor of Faith
An anchor is something that provides a firm foundation and security. In Scripture, the term anchor is used metaphorically to represent God and faith – that which keeps us steadfast and gives us hope during the trials and storms of life. Hebrews 6 tells us that is it our hope that is the “anchor for our soul”.
Hope Rooted in Scripture
The Word of God provides us with the foundation for our hope. In the book of Jeremiah, the Lord declares:
“For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope”(Jeremiah 29:11).
This assurance reminds us that God is faithful and walks with us in every moment, even when the road seems steep and our vision unclear.
In the New Testament, St. Paul writes:
“Hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit” (Romans 5:5).
This hope is not a fleeting wish but a living certainty that comes from our relationship with the Risen Christ.
The Significance of a Jubilee Year
A Jubilee is a time of:
renewal,
restoration
In the biblical tradition, it was a time to set captives free, forgive debts, and restore relationships. For us, this Jubilee of Hope invites us to live these values profoundly in our spiritual, communal, and social lives.
Renewal of Faith: Let us deepen our trust in God, who is the source of our hope. Through prayer, the sacraments, and the study of Scripture, we are invited to draw closer to Christ and become witnesses of His hope in the world.
Reconciliation and Healing: This Jubilee calls us to mend broken relationships—with God, our families, and the broader community. Forgiveness is the key to experiencing the true freedom that hope brings.
Commitment to Justice and Mercy: As we celebrate this holy year, we are reminded of our duty to care for the marginalized, to bring hope to the poor, and to work for a world where dignity and peace flourish for all.
Living the Jubilee Message of Hope
Hope is not passive; it is active and transformative. As we enter this Jubilee Year, let us become agents of hope:
In our families, by fostering love, understanding, and encouragement.
In our parishes and communities, by building bonds of unity and faith.
In society, by advocating for justice and showing compassion to those in need.
Pope Francis, in his reflections on hope, reminds us that:
“Christian hope is not a mere optimism, but the confident expectation of eternal life promised by Christ.”
This Jubilee is an opportunity to share that confident expectation with a world yearning for hope.
Conclusion
As we launch the Jubilee Year of Hope, we commit ourselves to be bearers of this divine gift. Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, let us allow Christ to ignite the fire of hope within us and send us forth to proclaim His life-giving message.
May the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Mother of Hope, accompany us throughout this journey. Let us rejoice, for we are a people of hope, and Christ is our light!
Amen.
Prayer for the Opening of the Jubilee
In this year of Jubilee, we ask You to touch our hearts anew with the love of Your Son, Jesus Christ, enlighten our minds with Your Holy Spirit and strengthen our hands for service. Through the intercession of Mary, Mother of God, St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church, and our own Patrons, St. Flannan and St. Senan may we be renewed with the virtue of Hope and move closer in faith and love of You.
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord.
Amen