The Holy Father has announced the Jubilee of 2025, with the theme "Pilgrims of Hope."
Pope Francis stated in his 2022 letter that, "We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us, and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision. The forthcoming Jubilee can contribute greatly to restoring a climate of hope and trust as a prelude to the renewal and rebirth that we so urgently desire; that is why I have chosen as the motto of the Jubilee, Pilgrims of Hope.”
A Jubilee year is a time to re-establish a proper relationship with God, with one another, and with Creation as a whole.
The 2025 Jubilee is particularly necessary in our world, as we navigate life post-covid, amid the ongoing wars, and a general disconnect from Jesus, and from each other.
We encourage all parishes to be involved in Jubilee 2025 "Pilgrims of Hope".
Jubilee 2025 Calendar
The 2025 Jubilee will officially open on December 24th, 2024, with a Mass presided over by Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square. The rite of the Opening of the Holy Door will follow.
The majority of the rest of the world (including the Catholic Diocese of Hamilton) will open the year of Jubilee on December 29th, 2024.
Missionary of Mercy
For the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy (2016), Pope Francis appointed Missionaries of Mercy for all corners of the earth. Our Diocese is fortunate to have Fr Richard Shortall SJ who continues in his role as a Missionary of Mercy.
The proposal was made at the recent Priests’ Gathering (15-17 October 2024) that Fr Richard make himself available throughout the Diocese to “be a presence” of mercy and hope in our parishes. This was met with unanimous support.
We have divided the parishes into clusters along the lines of the Collegial Areas and allotted dates. The Hamilton and Tauranga Clusters, because of their respective sizes, have been allotted two sets of dates.
We ask that you lock in the dates in your parish calendars.
Logistics
It would be more practical if each parish cluster contact Fr Shortall directly to discuss the ‘nuts and bolts’ of his presence with you. He can be reached on:
M: 021 160 6994 | E: richards@cdh.org.nz
HAMILTON CLUSTER (1)
18-20 Feb 2025 & 9-11 Dec 2025
CBVM - Hillcrest - University - Melville - Fairfield - Te Rapa - Frankton - Raglan/Te Mata
TAURANGA CLUSTER (1)
11-13 Mar 2025
Tauranga - Mt Maunganui - Te Puke - Bethlehem - Te Puna - Matakana Island - Omokoroa - Maketū
GISBORNE CLUSTER
8-10 Apr 2025
Gisborne - Matawai - Tolaga Bay - Tokomaru Bay
WHAKATANE CLUSTER
13-15 May 2025
Whakatāne - Matata - Edgecumbe - Kawerau - Poroporo
OPOTIKI CLUSTER
20-22 May 2025
Ōpōtiki - Te Kaha
WAIHI CLUSTER
10-12 Jun 2025
Waihi - Katikati - Whangamatā
CAMBRIDGE CLUSTER
29-31 Jul 2025
Cambridge - Matamata
MORRINSVILLE CLUSTER
5-7 Aug 2025
Morrinsville - Te Aroha - Paeroa
NGARUAWAHIA
12-14 Aug 2025
Ngaruawahia - Huntly - Te Kauwhata
ROTORUA CLUSTER
26-28 Aug 2025
Central - North - Reporoa - Murupara
TAUPŌ CLUSTER
2-4 Sep 2025
Taupō - Tūrangi
TAUMARUNUI CLUSTER
16-18 Sep 2025
Taumarunui
TOKOROA CLUSTER
7-9 Oct 2025
Tokoroa - Putāruru
TE AWAMUTU CLUSTER
18-20 Nov 2025
Te Awamutu - Otorohanga - Te Kuiti
TAURANGA CLUSTER (2)
25-27 Nov 2025
Tauranga - Mt Maunganui - Te Puke - Bethlehem - Te Puna - Matakana Island - Omokoroa - Maketu
HAMILTON CLUSTER (2)
9-11 Dec 2025
CBVM - Hillcrest - University - Melville - Fairfield - Te Rapa - Frankton - Raglan/Te Mata
