Bishop Brendan Leahy (pictured above) has called on all people to answer Pope Francis’ invitation to embark on a transformative journey as “pilgrims of hope” throughout the Jubilee Year 2025. The Holy Year, officially inaugurated by Pope Francis on Christmas Eve with the opening of the Holy Door at Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome, invites Catholics across the globe to reflect on themes of mercy, forgiveness, and the power of hope in a fractured world.
During the launch of the Jubilee Year, Bishop Leahy emphasised the significance of embracing hope and collective action. “The key to achieving the objectives of the Jubilee Year is that we raise a collective voice of hope, encouraging peace and love to triumph,” he said. “Disarming hearts is where it all begins, and this New Year gives us the chance to propose a world in which we live with disarmed hearts – a world where we are closer and more fraternal than ever before.”
The theme of the Jubilee Year – pilgrims of hope, calls on the faithful to spread hope and love, especially in the face of global crises such as war, famine, and social injustice. Bishop Leahy’s message underscores the importance of uniting for peace and justice as the world navigates challenges. “With the call to be pilgrims of hope, I invite you all to embrace this transformative year with a renewed sense of peace, mercy, and a commitment to justice for a more compassionate world,” he added.
The Bishop of Limerick began the Jubilee Year celebrations with a special Mass at Saint John’s Cathedral in Limerick city last month, marking the occasion with a focus on the power of hope. Additionally, he dedicated his homily on World Day of Peace to the year’s theme. This calls for believers to embark on pilgrimages to sacred sites locally and globally, gaining a plenary indulgence during the year. Pilgrimage, Bishop Leahy explained, is a key part of the journey of faith and transformation.
Bishop Leahy reflected on Pope Francis’ powerful message, which calls for global peace, justice, and the breaking of unjust systems. He noted, “Pope Francis calls on us to break the bonds of injustice and proclaim God’s justice.” The Pope’s message, he added, encourages all to act and stand for justice, particularly in addressing issues like global debt, respect for human dignity, and sustainable development.
Pope Francis has outlined three key proposals for individuals and world leaders to focus on in this Jubilee Year. The first addresses the global debt crisis, where poorer countries are burdened with unsustainable debts owed to wealthier nations. Secondly, the Pope emphasises the importance of respecting human dignity, especially from conception to natural death—an issue that resonates deeply in Ireland in light of current debates on assisted suicide. Lastly, Pope Francis calls for the reallocation of military spending to create a global fund aimed at eradicating hunger, promoting education, and combating climate change.
At a national level, pilgrimage sites in Ireland such as Knock, Lough Derg, and Croagh Patrick are highlighted as places where individuals can embark on a spiritual journey during the Jubilee Year. Locally, Bishop Leahy has designated Saint John’s Cathedral, the Killeedy Mass Rock, and the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Kilmallock as pilgrimage destinations for the faithful in Limerick.
This message has also been captured by Limerick Diocese as a video and can be accessed HERE
