Archdiocese of Manila urges Catholics to join closing of Jubilee Year of Hope on Dec. 26

The Archdiocese of Manila has called on Filipino Catholics to join the celebration marking the conclusion of the Jubilee Year of Hope at the Manila Cathedral on Friday, December 26.

“I invite all families and communities to join this celebration. I ask all parishes, ministries, and organizations to organize delegations. You may bring banners, Jubilee symbols, or wear attire that reflects your journey of hope,” said Manila archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula in a circular dated December 10.

“As we approach the conclusion of the Jubilee Year, let us thank the Lord for the spiritual fruits and graces we have received and continue to implore God for the renewal of our nation,” he added.

The Solemn Rite of Closing of the Jubilee Year in the Archdiocese of Manila will begin at 3 p.m. of December 26 with the Gathering of Sectors of Hope.

This will be followed by an assembly at Villa Immaculada behind the Manila Cathedral, with the procession to the cathedral starting at 4:30 p.m.

The Eucharistic Celebration and the Rite of Closing of the Jubilee Year will begin at 5 p.m.

In the Catholic Church, a Jubilee or Holy Year is a special year of forgiveness and reconciliation. It is usually celebrated by the Church every 25 years. 

The theme of the Ordinary Jubilee of the Year 2025 is “Pilgrims of Hope.” Then Pope Francis urged the faithful to bring hope to people who are “discouraged, pessimistic, and cynical about the future.”

The Vatican also unveiled its official mascot for the Jubilee, a Catholic pilgrim named “Luce,” which means “light.”

Pope Francis officially launched the Jubilee Year of Hope on December 24, 2024 by opening the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica. The Jubilee Year will officially conclude on January 6, 2026 on the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. — JMA, GMA Integrated News