On Sunday, 2 February, the Diocese of Palmerston North gathered at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit to celebrate the Opening Mass for the Year of Jubilee. Fittingly, the date also marked the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, a moment of dedication and renewal that ties into the spirit of a Jubilee Year. While the Year of Jubilee was officially inaugurated by Pope Francis in Rome on 24 December last year, each diocese in New Zealand chose a date that best suited their local celebrations.

Mass was presided over by Bishop John Adams, assisted by Emeritus Bishop Peter Cullinane, Monsignor Brian Walsh, and Fr Vui Hoang. The liturgy began outside the Diocesan Centre behind the Cathedral, where, fortunately, the rain had stopped just in time. A karanga welcomed those gathered, followed by prayers led by Bishop John. The congregation then processed along Broadway Avenue to the steps of the Cathedral, symbolising the beginning of our pilgrim journey in this Jubilee Year. At the Cathedral doors, Bishop John offered further prayers before blessing the entrance and proclaiming the start of the journey ahead. The Proclamation of Pope Francis’ Papal Bull was then read aloud before the Cathedral doors were opened, and Bishop John led the congregation inside, where the Mass continued as usual.

In his homily, Bishop John reflected on the theme of hope, drawing from Pope Francis’ words: “Lift up our hearts to Christ and become singers of hope in a world marked by too much despair.” He reminded us that Christian hope is not mere optimism but a real, concrete, and life-changing force.

Bishop John shared the story of St. Josephine Bakhita, a woman who endured the horrors of slavery yet discovered profound hope in Christ. Kidnapped at the age of nine, she suffered immense cruelty, bearing 144 scars from years of abuse. Eventually, she was taken to Italy, where she encountered a different kind of Master—the God of Jesus Christ. In Him, she found true freedom, recognising that she was loved, known, and awaited by God.

This transformation, Bishop John explained, is the essence of Christian hope. St. Josephine Bakhita was no longer a slave but a free child of God. This same hope—the knowledge that we are definitively loved—should shape our lives and guide our journey throughout this Jubilee Year.

As we begin this sacred time, Bishop John encouraged us to be bold in proclaiming the hope we carry within us. Just as St. Josephine could not keep her newfound hope to herself, we too are called to share it with others.

Hope, he emphasised, is not diminished by difficulties or obstacles. It is unwavering, because the final victory belongs to love, and the One who has won this victory calls each of us by name. In this spirit, Bishop John invited us to model our lives after Simeon, who, upon seeing the Christ child, knew he could depart in peace. May we also be detached from the passing concerns of this world and ready to follow Christ when He calls us.

As we journey through this Year of Jubilee, let us be inspired by the witness of St. Josephine Bakhita and commit ourselves to sharing the gift of hope with those around us. May this year be a time of renewal, faith, and joyful proclamation of the love of Christ.

Please continue to pray for our diocese as we walk together in faith and hope.

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