"Jubilee Year of Hope - 2025" Officially Launched in Koforidua

In a profound and uplifting ceremony in Rome, the Holy Father has declared the year 2025 as a Jubilee Year, a remarkable event that occurs once every 25 years. This Jubilee Year carries the meaningful theme of “Pilgrims of Hope,” symbolizing a collective pilgrimage towards healing and renewal amid a world burdened by the ravages of war, the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the critical climate crisis that disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable communities.

Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome as a powerful and symbolic gesture to herald this occasion. This sacred act serves as a significant portal for pilgrims, guiding them towards forgiveness and a fresh start, and marks the official beginning of the Jubilee Year 2025 with deep spiritual resonance (Vatican News). 

Following in the footsteps of this historic moment, Most Rev. Joseph Afrifah-Agyekum, the Catholic Bishop of Koforidua, ceremoniously launched and opened the Jubilee Year of Hope and the Holy Door at the St. George Catholic Cathedral in Koforidua on December 27, 2024, initiating the Diocese's observance of this extraordinary year. His actions showcased the local Church's commitment to participating in the global celebration and highlighted the unifying spirit of faith that connects individuals across distances.

The event was graced by a diverse gathering of clergy, religious men and women, and devoted lay faithful from across the Diocese, all coming together in a shared expression of hope and collective yearning for a brighter future.

In his heartfelt Homily, Most Rev. Joseph Afrifah-Agyekum expounded on the profound implications of the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope, emphasizing the timeliness of the Holy Father's leadership as the Church enters this significant epoch of reflection and renewal. He passionately articulated the Church's unwavering commitment to standing in solidarity with those grappling with the harsh realities of conflict and the ongoing repercussions of the pandemic. With compassion and sincerity, he urged the congregation to move beyond merely relying on personal strength and intelligence, encouraging them to turn to God as their ultimate source of wisdom and understanding.

In his stirring message, he reminded everyone that faith can ignite hope and facilitate transformation, guiding individuals toward the renewal of life in the face of adversity. His words resonated deeply, reinforcing the belief that, even amid challenges, a spirit of hope can emerge, illuminating the path forward and nurturing a transformative journey of healing and peace for all.

The Table below gives the programme schedule for the Jubilee Year of Hope in the Koforidua Diocese.