Catholic Church in Hong Kong is focusing on fostering hope, as it prepares for the Jubilee Year 2025 and its 80th anniversary in 2026, according to Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing.
“The activities are to bring hope to the community, especially the marginalized,” said Bishop Ha, who heads the committee responsible for coordinating the celebrations, including a series of activities organized by deaneries and parishes to engage the local community.
In a report by Sunday Examiner, the prelate stressed that both the Jubilee Year and the diocese’s 80th anniversary are opportunities for the Church to go beyond serving Catholics.
“The Year of Jubilee is not exclusively for Catholics. The 80th anniversary is not simply a time to show our happiness. The Church’s purpose is not solely to serve Catholics; it must also engage with society, including those in need within the community,” he said.
The Jubilee Year, themed “Pilgrims of Hope,” will begin with a solemn Eucharistic celebration on December 29 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
The event follows Pope Francis’ opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica on December 24, in line with his message in the papal bull Spes non confundit (Hope does not disappoint), which encourages renewed hope in the “signs of the times.”
A central aspect of the celebration will be the passing of an oil lamp between parishes. Beginning this December, the lamp will travel to each parish for two weeks, during which communities will host prayer meetings, faith-sharing sessions, and activities involving schools and local residents.
“I hope this will encourage parishes to invite the needy and to reach out to more people in need,” Bishop Ha noted.
The bishop also urged parishes to organize community services that reflect the spirit of the pilgrimage and offer practical support to the underprivileged.
Deaneries are expected to host gatherings that explore the significance of the Jubilee Year, while local pilgrimages will be encouraged, with lists of churches and services available to help the faithful earn indulgences.
Large-scale events are also planned, including a Taizé youth prayer meeting, an exposition of relics from over 100 saints, and a Mission Sunday program, all of which will tie into the themes of the Jubilee Year and the diocese’s 80th anniversary.
Towards the end of 2025, a public prayer meeting will be held to bless Hong Kong, involving representatives from various religions and Christian denominations in a gesture of unity and hope for the city.
