On Sunday, 29th December 2024, Archbishop Charles Scicluna will inaugurate the Jubilee Year 2025 in the Archdiocese of Malta under the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. This event follows the official opening of the Holy Year by Pope Francis on Christmas Eve, marked by the opening of the Holy Door at St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, where the Pope then presided over Mass.
The celebration in the Church of Malta will begin at 5pm with a liturgical rite observed across the Catholic world. The event will start with a moment of prayer led by Archbishop Scicluna at St Paul’s Grotto in Rabat. The Archbishop will then greet the congregation in the Minor Basilica of St Paul, and the Gospel according to St John (Jn 14:1–7) will be proclaimed. An excerpt from the Bull of Indiction for the Jubilee of Hope, titled “Hope Does Not Disappoint” (Spes non confundit) will be read. This Bull is the official document through which Pope Francis proclaimed the Jubilee of Hope.
The celebration will then continue with a pilgrimage following the cross, involving priests, religious and laypeople. The pilgrimage will lead to the Mdina Cathedral, where Archbishop Scicluna will present the crucifix as a symbol of hope for all believers in Christ. At 6:00pm, a solemn Mass will be celebrated in the Cathedral. The Mass will begin with a commemoration of baptism, featuring blessings and the sprinkling of holy water.
This important day coincides with the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Together with the Cana Movement, the Church in Malta will also celebrate the Jubilee of Families. The event will honour spouses, engaged couples, and other families, who will take an active role in both the pilgrimage and the Mass.
The Jubilee opening celebration will be broadcast live on Church.mt, Newsbook Malta and RTK 103. More information on gublew.mt.