The Jubilee is a sacred invitation to rediscover the transformative power of God’s love, to walk in holiness, and to become bearers of hope in a world longing for light. It is a time to encounter Christ anew, embracing His promise of salvation and sharing His message of hope.

The Holy Door: A Passage to Grace

The Holy Door is much more than a physical entrance; it is a symbol of spiritual renewal and transformation. Passing through it is a gesture of faith, signifying a commitment to leave behind sin and to walk toward a life centered on Christ. As Pope Francis led representatives of the faithful through the Holy Door, he set the stage for millions of pilgrims to follow, stepping into God’s embrace.

This Jubilee reminds us that Jesus Christ, Emmanuel—God with us—is the source of our hope. The Pope’s prayer resonates in our hearts: “May the light of Christian hope illuminate every man and woman, as a message of God’s love addressed to all!”

Important Jubilee Dates: Opening the Doors of Grace

The Jubilee year is marked by the opening of Holy Doors, each offering a special opportunity for spiritual renewal. Here are the key dates:

• December 24, 2024: The Holy Door of Saint Peter’s Basilica was opened during the Christmas Vigil Mass, inaugurating the Jubilee Year.
• December 26, 2024: For the first time, a sacred portal will be opened in a Roman prison, symbolizing hope and mercy for detainees.
• December 29, 2024: The Holy Door of Saint John Lateran, the Pope’s cathedral, will be opened.
• January 1, 2025: On the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, the Holy Door of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major will be opened.
• January 5, 2025: The Holy Door of the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls will be opened, completing the sequence of openings for the Jubilee.

These Holy Doors will remain open throughout the Jubilee, inviting pilgrims from around the world to encounter Christ.

Important Jubilee Dates: Closing the Holy Doors

As the Jubilee Year concludes, the Holy Doors will be closed, marking the end of this extraordinary time of grace:

• December 28, 2025: The Holy Doors of Saint John Lateran, Saint Mary Major, and Saint Paul Outside the Walls will be closed.
• January 6, 2026: On the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, the Holy Door of Saint Peter’s Basilica will be closed, bringing the Jubilee Year to an end.

Christ, Our Hope and Salvation

At the heart of this Jubilee is Jesus Christ. Reflecting on the angels’ message to the shepherds, Pope Francis declared: “I bring you good news of great joy… for unto you is born this day a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11). This joyous proclamation reminds us that Christ enters into our lives, even in moments of darkness and struggle.

“If God can visit us, even when our hearts seem like a lowly manger,” the Holy Father said, “we can truly say: Hope is not dead; hope is alive and it embraces our lives forever.”

A Call to Action and Renewal

The Jubilee is not just a celebration but a call to action. Pope Francis urges us to move beyond complacency and mediocrity, to embrace change, and to become pilgrims of light, carrying the hope of Christ into the world.

Saint Augustine once said that hope stirs dissatisfaction with the wrongs in our lives and inspires us to work for change. The Pope echoed this sentiment, calling on us to renew our faith and transform our world.

An Invitation to Encounter the Lord

“This Jubilee,” Pope Francis reminds us, “is the season of hope in which we are invited to rediscover the joy of meeting the Lord.” Through the open Holy Doors, God’s heart is open to every one of us. It is an invitation to experience His mercy and love, to renew our spirits, and to commit to living as witnesses of hope.

“Dear sister, dear brother,” the Pope says, “on this night, the ‘holy door’ of God’s heart lies open before you. Jesus, God-with-us, is born for you. With Him, joy flourishes; with Him, life changes; with Him, hope does not disappoint.”

A Global Journey of Hope

As the Diocese of Kimberley joins the universal Church in this Jubilee Year of Hope, we extend a heartfelt invitation to every Catholic to participate fully in this sacred time. Let us walk through the Holy Doors, encounter Christ, and carry His light into the world. Together, may we make this Jubilee a time of true renewal and transformation.