Opening of Jubilee of Hope in Archdiocese of Malta

By: independent.com.mt

Dec 20 2024
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Opening of Jubilee of Hope in

On Sunday, 29 December 2024, Archbishop Charles Scicluna will inaugurate the Jubilee Year 2025 in the Archdiocese of Malta under the theme "Pilgrims of Hope". This event follows the official opening of the Holy Year by Pope Francis on Christmas Eve, marked by the opening of the Holy Door at St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, where the Pope will then preside over Mass.

The celebration in the Church of Malta will begin at 5:00pm with a liturgical rite observed across the Catholic world. The event will start with a moment of prayer led by Archbishop Scicluna at St Paul's Grotto in Rabat. The Archbishop will then greet the congregation in the Minor Basilica of St Paul, and the Gospel according to St John (Jn 14:1-7) will be proclaimed. An excerpt from the Bull of Indiction for the Jubilee of Hope, titled "Hope Does Not Disappoint" (Spes non confundit) will be read. This Bull is the official document through which Pope Francis proclaimed the Jubilee of Hope.

The celebration will then continue with a pilgrimage following the cross, involving priests, religious and laypeople. The pilgrimage will lead to the Mdina Cathedral, where Archbishop Scicluna will present the crucifix as a symbol of hope for all believers in Christ. At 6:00pm, a solemn Mass will be celebrated in the Cathedral. The Mass will begin with a commemoration of baptism, featuring blessings and the sprinkling of holy water.

This important day coincides with the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Together with the Cana Movement, the Church in Malta will also celebrate the Jubilee of Families. The event will honour spouses, engaged couples, and other families, who will take an active role in both the pilgrimage and the Mass.

The Jubilee opening celebration will be broadcast live on Church.mt, Newsbook Malta and RTK 103.

Details about Jubilee 2025

Pope Francis has invited Christians and all people of goodwill to become "Pilgrims of Hope" during the Jubilee Year, emphasising the importance of hope in addressing the global challenges of war, the climate crisis, and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

An integral aspect of the Jubilee Year is the pilgrimage, a spiritual journey traditionally associated with conversion and renewal. The Pope views the Jubilee as an opportunity for humanity to embrace new hope, deepen their appreciation of life, and foster a renewed commitment to building a better future - a life that begins on earth and continues into eternity.

The Jubilee of Hope will conclude on Sunday, 28^th December 2025. For more information about the Jubilee celebrations in the Archdiocese of Malta, visit gublew.mt.