Upcoming Church's 2025 Jubilee Year “a time of renewal, mercy, solidarity”: Catholic Archbishop in Kenya

“I ask you to intensify your prayer to prepare us to live this event of grace well and to experience the power of God’s hope. That is why today we begin a Year of Prayer,” he said in his January 21 Angelus address about the Catholic Church’s Jubilee set to begin on Christmas Eve 2024 and conclude on 6 January 2026 under the theme, “Pilgrims of Hope”.

Months later, on the Solemnity of the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ on May 9, the Holy Father solemnly proclaimed the upcoming Jubilee Year 2025 at a ceremony in St. Peter’s Basilica, during which he delivered the Bull of Indiction of the planned Jubilee, “Spes non confundit” (Hope does not disappoint).

The Jubilee Year provides the people of God across the globe an opportunity to participate in various planned jubilee events at the Vatican and in their respective Episcopal Sees and Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life (ICLSAL).

In his Pastoral Letter, Archbishop Anyolo says ADN has chosen the theme for the Year 2025, “Strengthening Faith in Families through Small Christian Communities (SCCs) as Pilgrims of Hope for the Jubilee Year (Hebrews 11:1).”

He goes on to reflect the importance of SCCs in fostering hope and unity among the faithful. 

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Upcoming Church's 2025 Jubilee Year “a time of renewal, mercy, solidarity”: Catholic Archbishop in Kenya

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“Strengthening faith in families and being pilgrims of hope in this world overwhelmed by tragic situations is our task as well. Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen,” he adds.

Drawing on the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI, the Local Ordinary of Nairobi reflects on the connection between faith, hope, and love. 

“Faith assures us of God’s promises, even when circumstances seem dire, while hope sustains us through trials. The one who has hope lives differently; the one who hopes has been granted the gift of a new life,” he says.

The Kenyan Catholic Church leader also reminded the people of God of the transformative nature of Christian faith, urging them to live as “ambassadors of the Prince of Peace.” 

“The assurance and conviction described in Hebrews 11:1 lead Christians to work for justice, charity, and the spread of the Gospel, trusting in God’s ultimate victory,” Archbishop Anyolo says.

Reflecting on the Feast of the Nativity of the Lord, Archbishop Anyolo says, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder.”

He adds, “This prophecy, written in a time of spiritual decline and external threats, promises a future king who brings justice, peace, and salvation.”

Archbishop Anyolo further notes that these promises remain relevant today, particularly in the face of global conflicts and hardships. 

“As we look around and read the news, we realize that the world at large is in a critical situation - the war between Ukraine and Russia; between Israel and Hamas; between Israel and  Hezbollah; internal conflicts in Sudan - seem not to end.  In our own country Kenya, we are facing serious problems and hardships, including a culture of deceit and repression that has gripped the Nation,” he laments.

These challenges, he says, call for renewed hope in God’s sovereignty and justice.

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“Amidst the uncertainties of our lives, we must persevere joyfully, for we know that the Lord will never abandon His people,” Archbishop Anyolo says.

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.