To
The Parish Priest/Priest-in-charge Archdiocese of Bombay
Dear Fathers/Brothers,
Sub: Inauguration of the preparations for the Jubilee Year 2025 with the theme "Pilgrims of Hope".
According to Lev 25:8-13 the celebration of the jubilee year, i.e., 50111 year, entails release of slaves, forgiveness of debts, repatriation of property. It stood as a reminder of God's providence and mercy and gave the community an opportunity to come back into right relationship with one another and with God.
Pope Francis has announced that the Church will celebrate a Jubilee Year in 2025, with the theme of "Pilgrims of Hope". Pope Francis urges Catholics to prepare for the Jubilee by spending time in studying the four Constitutions of the Second Vatican Council and focusing on prayer.
In the Archdiocese of Bombay, the preparations for the Jubilee Year 2025 will be inaugurated by His Eminence Oswald Cardinal Gracias on November 26, 2023, the feast of Christ the Universal King, at the Cathedral of the Holy Name at the 10.00 a.m. Mass.
In all the other parishes and parish units in the Archdiocese of Bombay, the preparations for the Jubilee Year 2025 will be inaugurated on December 3, 2023, the first Sunday of Advent. The logo to be unveiled will be sent to you in the form of a scroll, which has to be hung in a prominent place and unveiled after the homily. Some jubilee prayer cards will also be sent. This prayer is to be recited every day, beginning from the 1st Sunday of Advent, at every Mass after the Post-Communion Prayer.
The programme for this preparation phase, i.e., from November 26, 2023, to November 23, 2024, will be gradually unfolded to you from time to time. Hence, let us take this opportunity to learn, pray and journey together and celebrate God, celebrate the Church as the People of God, and let us celebrate each one of us on this synodal journey. May this period of preparation for the Jubilee be an occasion for our spiritual enrichment.
Yours in Christ
+Savio Fernandes
Diocesan Coordinator for Jubilee 2025