THE NEW YEAR – A JUBILEE YEAR

Having completed his commitments in the Diocese of Hallam, Bishop Ralph joined us, as usual, for our Christmas celebrations. We were all able to relax as we looked back with joy and satisfaction on how blessed the Christmas programme in the churches had been. Once again, I want to thank all of you who went to so much trouble to ensure that the churches looked resplendent, and the liturgies were fitting celebrations for the great Feast. Bishop Ralph, in keeping with all our bishops, has had to return to Sheffield this weekend to launch the Year of Jubilee, called by Pope Francis and which Archbishop Malcolm explained in his recent Pastoral Letter.

It is the book of Leviticus in the Old Testament which introduces the idea of the Jubilee every 25 years, and for the past 700 years Jubilee Years have become part of the calendars in the Catholic Church, with Pope Boniface VIII declaring the year 1300 a Jubilee Year. Certainly, our world needs a year of forgiveness and reconciliation and if we can contribute to that process in any way, we will surely be blessed accordingly. We will look for ways in which we may be able to encourage one another in celebrating this special year as ‘pilgrims of hope’. For now, may I simply wish you all every blessing as we enter 2025. You will be pleased to know that Fr Tom Molloy was discharged from hospital on Christmas Eve and is back in the community. However, he remains confined to his room and would appreciate your prayers that he can regain his strength.

 WITH FR ANDREW AND THE WHOLE REDEMPTORIST COMMUNITY I WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY AND GRACE FILLED NEW YEAR