By Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing, OFM
In 2024, during the Feast of the Holy Family, we commenced the Jubilee celebrations with a procession from the Canossian Convent. The theme song, “Pilgrims of Hope”, soon resonated throughout parishes and Catholic schools, while Luce—a character symbolising the spirit of pilgrimage—appeared in many parts of the Church.
Responding to the call of the late Pope Francis, we strive not only to be pilgrims of hope, but also to become signs of hope for others. Parishes and Caritas have continued their charitable work to support vulnerable people and spread hope. In addition, sculptures from the “Homeless Jesus” series were placed in nine designated pilgrimage churches.
Monthly pilgrimages have raised awareness of the challenges faced by disadvantaged groups. Over the past year, about 900 groups and 50,000 individuals visited these churches, while many others organised their own overseas pilgrimages, thereby strengthening their faith and deepening their spirituality.
As pilgrims of hope, we are especially eager to pass on this hope, rooted in faith, to the next generation. In early 2025, we launched the Children Ambassadors of Hope training programme, with over 30 parishes and more than 200 children taking part. In May, we hosted a four-day Taizé youth prayer meeting, attended by approximately 500 young people from neighbouring regions, who lived out their faith in unity.
In July, a relic pilgrimage enabled around 5,000 participants to deepen their spiritual journeys by venerating relics and learning about diverse spiritual traditions. On Mission Sunday in October, we served as signs of hope by sharing the gospel with those who have yet to know Jesus Christ. In early December, we hosted a hymnal exchange concert with choirs from six overseas dioceses. When the theme song “Pilgrims of Hope” was sung together in different languages, the Jubilee celebrations truly reached their climax.
Over the past year, Catholic schools have actively responded by organising pilgrimages for students to designated churches and engaging in charitable activities. These efforts have helped students understand the Jubilee theme and motivated them to bring hope to the less fortunate. We have also utilised online platforms, including a website and social media, to communicate the Jubilee message and share related videos.
To connect the Jubilee Year with our diocese’s 80th anniversary celebrations, we introduced the “Light of Hope” oil lantern, which has been passed between parishes. Each parish that received the lantern over the past year hosted various celebrations, allowing the light of hope to shine across Hong Kong. In the coming year, the oil lamp will continue its journey, visiting more parishes. May we also shine brightly in Hong Kong, spread hope, bear witness to the Lord, and become true messengers of hope!
