On January 7, the Dicastery for Evangelisation announced that over 540,000 pilgrims had passed through the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica within the first two weeks of the Holy Year’s opening. The piazzas surrounding Rome’s four papal basilicas have been filled with enthusiastic visitors, signalling an intensely active and meaningful Jubilee pilgrimage season.
Participating in Jubilee pilgrimages, however, does not necessarily require travelling abroad. In the Diocese of Hong Kong, nine local pilgrimage sites have been designated to encourage the faithful to embark on their spiritual journeys through prayer and reflection. To guide pilgrims, the diocese distributed a Pilgrimage Handbook following the Jubilee Year’s opening Mass. This booklet, now available in parishes across Hong Kong, offers a wealth of information to enrich the faithful’s understanding of the Jubilee’s significance.
The handbook is more than just a guide; it is a spiritual companion. It explains the essence of the Jubilee and the profound meaning of hope. It also includes detailed descriptions of the nine local pilgrimage sites, guidelines for obtaining Jubilee indulgences, and a series of reflective articles on faith. These reflections address the spiritual and practical needs of eight vulnerable groups: the elderly (including those who are sick, isolated, or living in poverty); prisoners and those reintegrating into society; children and families; youth; the sick and healthcare workers; those caring for the environment; migrants and refugees; and the poor. Pilgrims are encouraged to express care and solidarity with these groups through prayer and tangible acts of love.
In today’s digital age, it is natural to share moments of beauty—be it landscapes, architecture, or memorable meals—with loved ones. To enhance the experience of visiting Hong Kong’s churches, known for their distinctive architectural features, the Jubilee 2025 organising committee has introduced a creative initiative of stamps depicting the unique façades of the nine pilgrimage sites. Pilgrims can imprint these stamps in their Pilgrimage Handbooks, creating cherished mementoes. These stamps not only spark conversations about faith but also plant seeds of hope and belief in others’ hearts.
As the Jubilee unfolds, the nine pilgrimage sites in Hong Kong are preparing to welcome visitors with open arms. Parishes are organising talks, retreats, and monthly reflections, urging the faithful to engage in Eucharistic adoration, frequent the sacrament of reconciliation, and extend care to those in need. Adding to this spirit of hope, the “Light of Hope” oil lantern relay was inaugurated on the Jubilee’s opening day. Over the next two years, this symbolic lamp will travel to every parish in Hong Kong, staying at each for two weeks. This initiative inspires believers to radiate hope in their daily lives, spreading its light far and wide.
As we embark on these pilgrimages, it’s essential to recognise that a genuine pilgrimage goes beyond merely visiting churches. It represents a journey of the heart and soul. By approaching these sacred travels with dedication and an open spirit, we can enhance our faith and harness the transformative power of the Jubilee. In this way, we truly become “pilgrims of hope.” SE
