Archbishop Peter Machado Calls Jubilee Year a Time to Reset Life in Hope and Gratitude

Bengaluru, December 19, 2025 — Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore described the Jubilee Year 2025 as a sacred opportunity to renew life in hope, gratitude and faithful commitment, while delivering his homily at the Thanksgiving Mass on 17 December at St. Peter’s Pontifical Seminary, Bengaluru, on Wednesday evening.

Addressing the Petrine community, Archbishop Machado said the Jubilee Year, declared by Pope Francis under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” invites the faithful to return to God with renewed trust and joy. He explained that, in biblical and theological tradition, a Jubilee is time set apart for God—a moment marked by thanksgiving for fulfilled promises, received blessings and the remission of sins.

The Archbishop urged the community to cultivate a spirit of constant gratitude, drawing inspiration from the Magnificat of Mother Mary. He said thanking God for the great works accomplished in one’s life should shape Christian living and deepen spiritual awareness during the Jubilee Year.

Reflecting on the practical meaning of the Jubilee, Archbishop Machado said it calls for the proper ordering of life according to God’s will. He noted that the Jubilee offers believers a chance to realign priorities, restore broken relationships and renew their commitment to God’s plan.

Referring to the season of Advent, he said the Jubilee Year 2025 provides a moment to “begin again” with hope. He encouraged seminarians and members of the community to become credible witnesses of Christian hope, capable of serving all people with openness and generosity. Quoting the Pauline call to become “all things to all,” he reminded them that authentic Christian witness must be visible in every circumstance of life.

Archbishop Machado also linked the Jubilee Year to the broader legacy of Pope Francis, highlighting the Synodal Journey and the Pilgrimage of Hope as enduring gifts to the Church. He invited the community to reflect with gratitude on the fruits of the Pope’s pastoral vision as the Jubilee Year draws to its conclusion.

The Thanksgiving Mass concluded with multilingual Christmas carols, symbolising unity in diversity, and was followed by a community dinner. The celebration reaffirmed St. Peter’s Pontifical Seminary’s commitment to living the Jubilee spirit through faith-filled gratitude, hope and renewed dedication to Christian witness.

By Catholic Connect Reporter

Download Catholic Connect App for Daily News Updates: 

Android: Click here to download

iOS: Click here to download