‘Be pilgrims of hope,’ Cardinal Advincula says on Christmas Eve

Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula urged Catholics to be “pilgrims of hope” amid the ongoing issues across the world as the Catholic Church begins the Jubilee Year on Christmas Eve.

During the Misa de Gallo or Christmas Eve Mass at the Manila Cathedral, Advincula said some people experience poverty, separation from family, and abuse from powerful and influential individuals, just like when Jesus Christ was born or the first Christmas.

“Let us initiate acts of charity and mercy to give hope to people who are living in difficult situations. Let the Jubilee year of 2025 be a year that transforms us from a maintenance Church to a synodal Church in mission,” Advincula said during his homily.

“May the whole year of 2025 make us agents of hope and heralds of joy in our own communities. I pray for all of you and your families that you may not allow desire and resignation to take away your hope,” Advicula added.

As the Catholic Church celebrates Christmas, Advincula also reminded the faithful of Jesus' presence.

“Jesus who is born among us tonight. He is the reason for our hope. Without Jesus, there is no hope. His love makes us stronger to face all life’s difficulties. His hope will not disappoint us. Let us start our journey together as pilgrims of hope. Merry Christmas,” the prelate said.

Pope Francis proclaimed that the Jubilee Year will officially start with the opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve.

It will officially conclude on Jan. 6, 2026, on the solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord.

Pope Francis also ordered every cathedral to offer a Eucharistic celebration on Dec. 29 as the solemn opening of the Jubilee Year for their local communities.

According to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, a jubilee is a special holy year of grace and pilgrimage in the Catholic Church.

It usually occurs every 25 years, but the Pope can call for extraordinary jubilee years more often, such as in the 2016 Year of Mercy or the 2013 Year of Faith.—LDF, GMA Integrated News