As 2025 dawns, the Catholic Church embarks on a momentous journey of renewal, hope, and unity. Pope Francis declared Jubilee Year 2025, which coincides with the preparations for the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong’s 80th anniversary. This year offers an opportunity to reflect on mission, celebrate faith, and embrace responsibilities toward the broader community.
Pope Francis chose “Pilgrims of Hope” as the theme for the Jubilee Year, highlighting hope’s ability to guide humanity through challenges. The opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica on December 24 will symbolise a transition from despair to grace. In Hong Kong, the Jubilee Year will start with a solemn Eucharistic celebration on December 29 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
The jubilee’s focus emphasises global concerns, including human dignity, care for Creation, and peace. Pope Francis calls Catholics to be signs of hope through acts of mercy, compassion, and justice for marginalised individuals. This includes feeding the hungry, welcoming strangers, and advocating for the oppressed, embodying Christ’s transformative love.
For the Diocese of Hong Kong, 2025 also marks a historic milestone—its 80th anniversary. Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing emphasised that this anniversary is not just a celebration of the past but a commitment to the future. It challenges the faithful to engage actively with society, especially the marginalised, and to share the light of Christ with all, regardless of faith.
A travelling oil lamp is central to the diocese’s celebrations, symbolising the shared light of hope among parishes. This lamp will inspire prayer, faith-sharing, and community outreach across Hong Kong, inviting all to participate in the Church’s mission of compassion and solidarity.
Pope Francis emphasised in Spes non Confundit that hope thrives through acts of love. The faithful are challenged to engage in communal action, not just personal devotion. In line with the jubilee spirit, Hong Kong parishes are organising pilgrimages, prayer meetings, and charitable services to support the underprivileged and promote unity within diverse communities.
The diocese’s commitment extends to addressing pressing social issues, including housing insecurity and care for migrants and refugees. In this spirit, Pope Francis has urged Church institutions to open their doors—both literal and figurative—to those in need. This Jubilee Year reminds us that the Church is not an isolated sanctuary but a living witness to Christ’s love in the world.
As “Pilgrims of Hope,” the faithful are called to embrace the dual celebrations of Jubilee 2025 and the diocese’s 80th anniversary with hearts open to God’s transformative grace. These milestones are a chance to reflect on our journey, celebrate our blessings, and renew our commitment to the mission of the Church.
Let us heed Pope Francis’ call to seek “signs of God’s grace” and be those signs for others. By sharing hope through service, kindness, and advocacy, we can walk together as pilgrims of hope. This journey leads us to a future filled with faith, unity, and renewal. jose cmf
