Nelson Morales

Cardinal Advincula urges Filipinos to embrace hope

Article (news)

Addie Cuadra

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Cardinal Jose Advincula launched the Archdiocese of Manila’s Ordinary Jubilee for the year 2025 with a message of hope and resilience at the solemn opening on Monday.The event, titled Pasko ng Pag-asa, marked the start of a year-long celebration of faith, beginning with a procession from Plaza Moriones in Fort Santiago to the Manila Cathedral, culminating in a Eucharistic celebration led by Cardinal Advincula.In his homily, he addressed the growing sense of uncertainty among Filipinos as they approach the new year. He cited a recent survey revealing that while 90% of Filipinos still look to 2025 with hope, the number represents a decline from 96% last year.“Ang darating na taon ba ay inyong sasalubungin nang may pag-asa o may pangamba?” he asked the congregation reflecting on the shifts in national sentiment amid ongoing challenges.Cardinal Advincula highlighted the core theme of the Jubilee Year–Pilgrims of Hope–calling on the faithful to view the coming year not with fear, but with confidence in God’s promises. He invoked the words of Pope Francis, who opened the Jubilee Year on Christmas Eve with a message of hope, emphasizing that “Hope is not dead; hope is alive and it embraces our lives forever.”In line with the theme of the Jubilee, the Cardinal emphasized three key aspects of hope: encountering hope, nurturing hope, and sharing hope. “Sa ating pagdiriwang ng Jubilee of Hope sa Archdiocese of Manila, tatlong aspeto ng pag-asa ang ating bibigyan ng pansin: ang mukha ng pag-asa (encountering hope), ang paglago ng pag-asa (nurturing hope), at pagbibigay ng pag-asa (sharing hope). Sa harap ng kawalan ng katiyakan at pagdurusa, si Kristo ang Mukha ng Pag-asa,” he said.Cardinal Advincula also underscored the importance of sharing hope with others, especially those in need. He mentioned the poor, the sick, prisoners, migrants, and victims of injustice as the reasons why Pope Francis chose the theme of Hope for the Jubilee Year 2025.“Ang pinakamainam na paraan upang lumago ang pag-asa ay sa pagbabahagi nito. Napakaraming mga tao sa ating pamilya o pamayanan ang nawawalan ng pag-asa– ang mga may sakit, mga nakapiit, mga matatanda, mga migrante, mga kabataan, mga dukha, at mga biktima ng kawalang katarungan. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit pinili ni Pope Francis na maging tema ang pag-asa para sa Hubileo ng 2025.”The event also featured songs and stories of hope, with singer Jamie Rivera performing the Filipino version of the Jubilee hymn “Ningas ng Pag-asa,” while actress Candy Pangilinan shared a personal story of hope, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and thankfulness in overcoming life’s challenges. “A grateful heart is a heart [and] is a person who will always be blessed,” Pangilinan told the audience.As part of the Jubilee celebrations, the cardinal invited the faithful to participate in pilgrimages to Jubilee churches, visit those who are suffering, and foster hope within their families, particularly among the youth and elderly.“My dear co-Pilgrims of Hope, let us begin our journey. “Arise a long journey is ahead of you.” Padayon, mga ka-lakbay pag-asa. Padayon, pag-asa kay Hesus!,” Cardinal Advincula said.The Pasko ng Pag-asa event was a significant start to a year that will continue to emphasize hope in the face of hardship, bringing the faithful together in a shared journey of faith, optimism, and community support.

Cardinal Jose Advincula launched the Archdiocese of Manila’s Ordinary Jubilee for the year 2025 with a message of hope and resilience at the solemn opening on Monday.

Cardinal Jose Advincula launched the Archdiocese of Manila’s Ordinary Jubilee for the year 2025 with a message of hope and resilience at the solemn opening on Monday.