With less than a month to go before the official start, Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, has outlined plans for local celebrations under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” Preparations are underway in the Archdiocese of Vancouver to join Catholics worldwide in celebrating the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope. 

In a message to the faithful, Archbishop Miller emphasized the significance of the Jubilee, quoting Pope Francis: “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 Jubilee Year will begin with a Solemn Opening Mass on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Holy Rosary Cathedral. Archbishop Miller invited all members of the Archdiocese to participate in this special event, marking the start of a year filled with spiritual renewal and communal hope.

In line with the Jubilee’s focus on pilgrimage, the Archbishop has designated Holy Rosary Cathedral, St. Jude’s Parish and Shrine, and St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Agassiz—together with the adjacent Shrine of Santo Niño de Cebú—as local places of pilgrimage. These sites will host special events and provide opportunities for confession and prayer. Pilgrims visiting these churches will be eligible to obtain the Jubilee indulgence, the details of which will be published soon.

“The Jubilee Year is a time for all of us to experience an intense outpouring of the love of God,” said Archbishop Miller, echoing the Holy Father’s call for this year to awaken hope and salvation in the hearts of all Catholics. 

The Pope has outlined six key themes: a universal call to jubilee, hope rooted in baptism and enlivened by the Holy Spirit, a journey of hope, signs of hope, appeals for hope, and anchored in hope. The Jubilee is also an opportunity for outreach and action. Local initiatives will focus on addressing social needs and fostering community, bringing Pope Francis’ vision to life through acts of service and solidarity. Parishes throughout the Archdiocese will host events and activities aimed at deepening the faith and hope of all participants.

The Archdiocese of Vancouver’s Jubilee celebrations will include in major events throughout 2025, including pilgrimages, special Masses, and community outreach programs. Details will be shared as the year unfolds, inviting all faithful to join in the spirit of “Pilgrims of Hope.”

With cordial greetings for the Advent season, Archbishop Miller concluded his message by assuring the faithful of his prayers and inviting them to reflect on the hope and renewal that the Jubilee Year promises.

For updates on the Jubilee Year of Hope, including events and indulgence information, visit the Archdiocese’s official website at www.rcav.org.


Archbishop’s Message on the 2025 Jubilee of Hope

I am writing to you in anticipation of the Jubilee Year of 2025, which the Church will begin to celebrate in less than a month. The Jubilee Year is marked by celebrations in Rome and in dioceses around the world. As directed by the Holy Father, we will begin our Archdiocesan celebration of the Jubilee with a Solemn Opening Mass on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Cathedral. I hope that many of you will share in this special celebration.

“Pilgrims of Hope” is the theme of the 2025 Holy Year. In the words of Pope Francis, “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.”

Along with Holy Rosary Cathedral, I have designated the following as local places of pilgrimage during the Jubilee Year: St. Jude’s Parish and Shrine; and St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Agassiz, together with the adjacent Shrine of Santo Nino de Cebu. Those making pilgrimages and pious visits to these churches and shrines may obtain the Jubilee indulgence, the details of which will be published soon.

I will be writing more to you about the Jubilee as it draws nearer. In the meantime, I ask you to join the Holy Father in praying that this Year will be for all of us “an intense experience of the love of God” that will help to awaken the sure hope of salvation in our hearts (Spes non confundit, 6).

With cordial greetings and the assurance of my prayers for you and your families during this Advent season, I remain

Sincerely yours in Christ,

+ Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB

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