Some 376 days after Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, inaugurating the Holy Year 2025, parishioners of the Arlington diocese gathered with Bishop Michael F. Burbidge to usher out the Jubilee Year.
At the Jan. 4 Mass, which celebrated the Epiphany of the Lord, Bishop Burbidge posed a related question to the faithful on the holy year’s theme, “Pilgrims of Hope”: “How do we keep that hope alive and reflect it to others?”
He pointed to the example of the three magi who visited Christ on Epiphany. “The magi were seekers, searchers and so are we,” he said. “If we seek these gifts in the empty promises of the world, we will always be led astray and disappointed. Thus, like the magi, we are led to Christ.”
Like the magi, Catholics should strive to follow Christ, the light. “We can all think of the darkness in our world with so much conflict, division and violence. We think of the darkness in our own lives with our sins and vices. Yet, we do not despair,” he said. “We keep hope alive as we walk in that light and the conviction that it is more powerful than any darkness we encounter.”
Bishop Burbidge added that just as the magi offered gifts to the Christ Child, so should we. “We keep hope alive for others, especially our brothers and sisters who are poor, suffering, and alone when we share our resources to provide for them; when we imitate the selfless service of Jesus; when we extend his compassion and consolation to those in most need; and give quality time and attention to those we love,” he said.
Just before the final blessing, the Holy Year 2025 hymn of thanksgiving, “Pilgrims of Hope,” was sung one last time.
Parishioners mingled after the Mass, wishing each other a “Happy New Year.” Teen Zane Nguyen said he plans to start 2026 by taking care of his mental and spiritual health. “I was feeling a little down these past few weeks, so I just wanted to go to Mass,” he said. “I was thinking about my New Year’s resolution being to go to Mass more than once a week.”
For Emily and Robert Orr, the Jubilee Year brought rejoicing in more ways than one. “We were happy and excited to have a baby coming in that year,” Emily said, looking down at 2-month-old Nelson David slumbering in his baby carrier. The Orrs said they plan to continue celebrating the holy year’s theme, “Pilgrims of Hope,” as they raise their son and “embrace that love and community” found only in the church.
