Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), called on the faithful to embrace the Jubilee Year as a time for spiritual renewal and structural reform within the Church.
“Let us not waste the grace of the Jubilee,” David said in a CBCP statement on Saturday evening, Dec. 28.
He emphasized that the Holy Year offers an invitation to all believers to deepen their commitment to the faith and the mission of the Church.
He highlighted the importance of continuing the momentum for spiritual renewal and structural reform, which began with the Synod on Synodality.
David called for greater unity and collaboration among Catholics, encouraging them to expand their mission efforts, explore new ways of exchanging gifts, and foster cooperation within the Church.
He also urged Filipinos to live as “witnesses of hope” in a divided and troubled world, noting that hope has the transformative power to change one's perspective.
He encouraged the faithful to drink from the “spring of living water” that unites and nourishes humanity.
“We are pilgrims of hope,” David said, highlighting the importance of walking together in faith as a community. “We are summoned to move forward together, in synodality.”
The cardinal also called on the faithful to follow the guidance of the Synod on Synodality, which aims to promote unity and collaboration across the Church.
“We find new pathways for converting processes in our collective discernment and decision-making,” David said.
The cardinal also used the boat symbol, featured in the Jubilee Year logo, to describe the Church’s journey.
Just as a boat navigates the waters with the cross as its anchor, the Church must face challenges with a shared commitment to conversion and renewal.
“We adjust our structures so we can be more transparent and accountable, more participatory and empowering. We learn to trust each other and listen to each other,” he added.
The Jubilee Year officially began on Dec. 24, with Pope Francis opening the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
However, the opening Masses for the Jubilee will be celebrated in cathedrals around the world, particularly on Sunday, Dec. 29.
In the Philippines, several churches have been designated as pilgrimage sites.
READ MORE: https://mb.com.ph/2024/11/5/cbcp-designates-pilgrim-churches-for-jubilee-2025
These churches will offer pilgrims a “time of spiritual renewal and grace for the universal Church.”
A Jubilee Year, traditionally proclaimed by the Universal Church every 25 years, is a special time for the faithful to embark on pilgrimages, repent of their sins, forgive others, and renew their focus on spiritual life.
The “Jubilee of Hope” will run through Jan. 6, 2026, the Feast of the Epiphany.