The Jubilee Year is a sacred time of renewal, grace, and joy proclaimed by the Church every 25 years. For 2025, Pope Francis has announced the Jubilee Year under the theme “Spes Non Confundit” (Hope Does Not Disappoint), taken from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans (Rom 5:5). In his papal bull of proclamation, the Holy Father invites all Catholics to embrace this year as a time of profound encounter with God’s mercy and hope, symbolized by the opening of Holy Doors in cathedrals and churches around the world.
The Jubilee Year offers an invitation to all the faithful to journey in hope, deepen their faith, and reflect on the transformative love of God. Locally, the Diocese of Norwich will begin its celebration with the Mass for the Opening of the Jubilee Year at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick:
Sunday, December 29, 2024
10:30 a.m.
Cathedral of Saint Patrick, Norwich
Celebrant: Most Rev. Juan Miguel Betancourt
This special Mass, celebrated by Bishop Juan Miguel Betancourt, will unite the diocesan community in prayer and thanksgiving, marking the beginning of this extraordinary year. The Holy Doors at the Cathedral will symbolically open, inviting all to step through and experience the abundant grace and mercy of God.
The Jubilee Year encourages all Catholics to reflect on their faith, commit to acts of mercy, and grow in unity as a Church. For those unable to attend in person, the Mass will be livestreamed and can be viewed at NorwichDiocese.org/Masses.
Let us come together to open this Holy Year, embracing the call of Pope Francis to rediscover the hope that sustains us and to proclaim the Gospel to the world. As we celebrate this momentous occasion, may the words of St. Paul inspire us: “Hope does not disappoint, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit” (Rom 5:5).
This is an opportunity to begin the Jubilee Year as one diocesan family, united in faith and hope. We look forward to celebrating with you!