HONG KONG (SE): In preparation for the Jubilee Year 2025 with the theme, “Pilgrims of Hope”, and the 80th anniversary of the Diocese of Hong Kong in 2026, the diocese, deaneries, and parishes will organise a series of activities. These efforts are being coordinated by a preparation committee established in August with the goal of bringing hope to society, especially for the marginalised.
“The activities are to bring hope to the community, especially the marginalised,” explained Auxilary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing, chairperson of the Celebration of the Ordinary Jubilee 2025 and of the 80th Anniversary of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong. Members of the committee include vicar general, Father Paul Kam Po-wai, together with 15 other religious and lay people.
“The Year of Jubilee is not exclusively for Catholics. The 80th anniversary is not simply a time to show our happiness. The Church’s purpose is not solely to serve Catholics; it must also engage with society, including those in need within the community,” Bishop Ha said.
After Pope Francis solemnly opens the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica on December 24, the diocese will also organise a jubilee opening Eucharistic celebration on December 29 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, to which teams from all deaneries will be invited to respond to the call of the Jubilee Bull to live as pilgrims of hope.
In the jubilee bull, Spes non confundit [Hope does not disappoint], Pope Francis calls for renewed hope and encourages everyone to find it in the “signs of the times.”
A significant feature of the celebrations will involve passing an oil lamp through different parishes from December 29 this year until 31 December 2026. Each parish will take turns hosting the lamp for two weeks, and will organise prayer meetings, faith-sharing sessions, and other activities involving schools and local communities.
Bishop Ha hopes this will encourage parishes to invite the needy to the parishes and to reach out to more people in need.
Parishes should arrange community services throughout the year, embodying the spirit of hopeful pilgrims. Deaneries are also encouraged to convene gatherings to discuss the theme and significance of the jubilee year throughout 2025.
The faithful are encouraged to go on local pilgrimages. The preparation committee will provide lists of churches and caring services to help them earn indulgences.
The diocese has also planned large-scale events, including a Taizé youth prayer meeting, an exposition of relics from over 100 saints, and a Mission Sunday programme. These will integrate the themes of the jubilee year and the 80th anniversary celebration.
Towards the end of 2025, a public prayer meeting will be held to bless Hong Kong and offer well wishes for society, involving representatives from various religions and Christian denominations.
