Cardinal Advincula reminds Filipinos “Not to lose hope” during the opening of Jubilee Year
"Don’t lose hope despite life’s challenges," Cardinal Jose Advincula urged as he launched the yearlong Jubilee Year in the Archdiocese of Manila on Monday December 30.
The event, held at the Manila Cathedral, was livestreamed on the cathedral’s social media page and widely covered by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) News and other mainstream media outlets.
“Indeed, there is hope for all of us. We have hope. This hope will not disappear or be stolen because it comes from God.. It is a gift He has given us so that we do not lose heart in our journey through life”, said Advincula during his homily.
He cited Social Weather Stations survey which said optimism has declined compared to previous years: 90 percent of adult Filipinos are entering 2025 with hope. This was 96 percent in 2023. The 2024’s rating was the lowest recorded since 2009.
“Christ is the face of hope.. He will not disappoint us. He will not deceive us. He is not like others who give false hope,” said Advincula, who focused on three key aspects of hope: encountering hope, nurturing hope, and sharing hope.
Taking inspiration from Pope Francis, he urged everyone to share hope among those suffering like the sick, prisoners, the elderly, migrants, the youth, the poor, and victims of injustice.
Walk together as a community toward the path of hope in the coming year, Advincula urged the faithful, and encouraged the organization of pilgrimages to Jubilee churches. “Let us make the year 2025 a year of pouring out the grace of hope for all,” he said.
The Eucharistic celebration led by Cardinal Advincula was highlight of the event dubbed Pag-Asa which began with a procession from Plaza Moriones in Fort Santiago to the Manila Cathedral. It also showcased songs and stories of hope.
Inspirational singer Jamie Rivera rendered the Filipino version of the Jubilee hymn “Ningas ng Pag-asa,” while comedian-actress Candy Pangilinan, gave her testimony that “A grateful heart is a heart [and] is a person who will always be blessed”.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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