Dear Faithful,
With great joy, we announce the opening of the “Jubilee Year of God 2025”, a sacred time dedicated to renewal, unity, and experiencing God’s boundless mercy. This special year invites us to deepen our faith, rediscover the transformative power of God’s grace, and reflect on His eternal love for us.
The Jubilee Year will officially begin on Sunday, December 29, 2024, with a special ceremony led by our Bishop Rev. Michael Kwiatkowski at the Holy Eucharist Cathedral in New Westminster (501-4th Avenue). As part of this momentous occasion, the Cathedral, along with our churches in Kelowna (Dormition of the Mother of God, 1091 Coronation Avenue) and Nanaimo (St. Michael the Archangel, 4017 Victoria Avenue), will be designated as “Pilgrimage destinations”, with their gates becoming the Jubilee Porta Sancta (Holy Doors). These doors symbolically represent the “Gates of Heaven”, opened through Christ’s death and resurrection, and invite us to leave behind our sins and step into God’s heavenly reality even now on earth.
Throughout the Jubilee Year, we are encouraged to reflect on the Virgin Mary’s role as the “Doors of Mercy.” Just as she opened her womb to bring the Savior into the world, she continues to open the gates of Divine Mercy to all who seek redemption and healing.
Eparchy of New Westminster
- June 28-29: Eparchial Pilgrimage to Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Grindrod
- Main Jubilee Year Pilgrimage Destination: Holy Eucharist Cathedral, New Westminster
Special Conditions and Graces
One of the greatest blessings of this Jubilee Year is the opportunity to receive a “Plenary Indulgence”. This indulgence is a grace granted by the Church through the merits of Jesus Christ to cleanse the temporal consequences of sin.
To obtain this special grace, the faithful are encouraged to fulfill the following conditions:
1. Pilgrimage to a Designated Holy Site: Visit a pilgrimage church or shrine with the intention of experiencing spiritual renewal.
2. Sacramental Confession: Approach the Mystery of Penance to reconcile with God and receive forgiveness for sins.
3. Holy Communion: Worthily receive the Most Holy Eucharist to unite with Christ.
4. Prayer for the Pope’s Intentions: Pray for the successor of the Holy Apostle Peter, offering prayers for unity and the intentions of the Holy Father.
For those who cannot physically travel to a pilgrimage site due to illness or other circumstances, the Church invites them to take part in the spiritual movement of the Jubilee Year. They are encouraged to unite their sufferings with Christ, offer their daily prayers, and participate in the Eucharistic celebration, even from home.
Opportunities for Renewal
The Jubilee Year is more than a celebration; it is a journey of faith, sacrifice, and mercy.
This sacred time invites us to:
– Embrace the Sacraments: Recommit to regular participation in Confession and the Eucharist.
– Acts of Faith: Undertake personal or group pilgrimages as an act of devotion and spiritual growth.
– Pray for the Deceased: Offer prayers for the souls in purgatory, maintaining the bond of love between the Church on earth and the Church triumphant.
Let us take full advantage of the opportunities for spiritual renewal during this holy year. As pilgrims of hope, may we joyfully share our faith and become living witnesses of God’s mercy.
May this Jubilee Year fill your hearts with peace, hope, and renewal. Together, let us walk through the Holy Doors and embrace the promise of eternal life.