The Jubilee of Hope: A Gathering of Servants in Rome
Get ready for an extraordinary event dedicated to deacons at the Jubilee of Hope! From February 21 to 23, Rome will host 4,000 deacons from around the world as they pass through the Holy Door and engage in a series of inspiring meetings. The grand finale will be a Mass led by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, the pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, on Sunday, February 23 in the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica.
Etymologically, the term ‘deacon’ signifies a “servant.” In this spirit, 4,000 deacons from various nations will assemble in Rome for a three-day spiritual journey starting this Friday, February 21. These dedicated individuals, along with 2,000 others, will gather to embark on a pilgrimage of hope from countries like the United States, France, Brazil, India, Cameroon, and Australia.
While the beloved Pope Francis will not be able to attend due to his hospitalization at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, the deacons will carry on in his absence, embodying the spirit of service and devotion.
Prayer Vigil and Reflection
The festivities kick off on Friday with solemn prayers in 12 of Rome’s churches at 3:30 p.m., followed by enlightening discussions centered around the theme “Concrete signs of hope in diaconal ministry.”
On Saturday morning, the participants will have the unique opportunity to cross through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, a significant step in receiving the plenary indulgence offered during the Jubilee year. Additionally, a thought-provoking conference on the role of deacons in the Synodal Church will take place at the Auditorium de la Conciliazione from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The day will culminate with a moving prayer vigil in the illustrious Paul VI Hall at the Vatican.
On the final day, Sunday, February 23, a special Mass will be held at St. Peter’s Basilica where 23 deacons will be ordained under the guidance of Archbishop Rino Fisichella, the pro-prefect of the dicastery for evangelization.
Becoming Pilgrims of Hope
“This Jubilee will strengthen our faith and inspire us to extend our hands even further to those on the margins,” remarked François Fayol, a dedicated deacon from the diocese of Créteil, France, participating in the Jubilee with France’s National Diaconate Committee (CND).
Archbishop Bertrand Lacombe, accompanying the CND during their Jubilee journey to Rome, emphasized the importance of carrying love, worship, and the Word within their hearts. “Let us be amazed by the transformation into ‘pilgrims of hope’ during our time in Rome and upon our return to France,” he encouraged.
