“There couldn’t be a better time for a Jubilee Year of Hope.  We live in a world where anxiety, doubt and sometimes despair often appear to have the upper hand.”

 

On Sunday, 29th December, the Archdiocese of Armagh marked the opening of the Jubilee Year 2025 with a special Mass in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh. The celebration, themed “Pilgrims of Hope,” brought together Archbishop Eamon Martin, Bishop Michael Router, clergy representative from across the Archdiocese, families, and young people representing the parishes of the Archdiocese. A particularly significant moment in the Liturgy was the warm welcome extended to the Papal Nuncio to Ireland, Archbishop Luis Montemayor, who joined the congregation for this milestone event.

During the Mass, Archbishop Eamon Martin delivered a homily, reflecting on the profound significance of hope in today’s world. He emphasized the call of Pope Francis for believers to become “Pilgrims of Hope,” sharing the message of Christ’s love and inspiring others to place their trust in Him. Reflecting on the challenges facing individuals and communities—war, violence, exploitation, and addiction—Archbishop Martin called on the faithful to be fearless ambassadors of hope, energetic peacemakers, and steadfast in their commitment to the vulnerable and marginalized.

Highlights of the Jubilee Year

It is hoped that the Jubilee Year will to be a time of spiritual renewal and vibrant community celebrations across the Archdiocese and beyond. Archbishop Martin asked that parishes engage in a range of initiatives, including pilgrimages to local and national shrines, monthly parish activities, and special events to honour the 400th anniversary of St. Oliver Plunkett’s birth and the centenary of the death of Venerable Matt Talbot. The Jubilee hymn, prayer, and logo were unveiled during the Mass, setting a vibrant and celebratory tone for the year ahead.

Preparation for the Diocesan Congress on Youth and Family

A significant announcement was made during the celebration: preparations will begin for a Diocesan Congress on Youth and Family Ministry, to be held in March 2026. This initiative reflects the fruit of the synodal journey undertaken over the past three years, which engaged laypeople, religious, and clergy in discerning the future of the Church in the Archdiocese of Armagh and Ireland.

Bishop Michael Router outlined plans for the Congress, emphasising the importance of youth and family ministry. Delegates from parishes, schools, and universities will be invited in 2025 to participate in this reflective and collaborative process. Bishop Router highlighted the need to resource and promote vibrant ministry to young people and families at local level, ensuring that the Church continues to be a source of hope, faith, and love for generations to come.

Looking Ahead

The Jubilee Year and its theme of hope invite all members of the Archdiocese to reflect on their faith and renew their commitment to sharing the Good News with all. Archbishop Eamon Martin expressed his heartfelt prayer that the 2025 Jubilee Year would inspire countless graced moments locally, nationally, and internationally.

As we embark on this journey together, we remember the words of Pope Francis: “Let us even now be drawn to this hope through our witness. May hope spread to all those who anxiously seek it.”

The Archdiocese of Armagh looks forward to a year filled with renewal, celebration, and an ever-deepening commitment to being “Pilgrims of Hope.”

Stay connected for updates and resources throughout the Jubilee Year on this website, on www.ArmaghPrays.com and on the Archdiocesan social media profiles.

Archbishop Eamon Martin’s Homily from the Opening Mass of the Jubilee of Hope

 

Photos from the Celebration