The Good Shepherd Chapel of the University of Saint Louis (USL) has been named one of the designated pilgrim churches for the Catholic Church’s upcoming Jubilee 2025. This honor was announced by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on November 4, 2024.
With the theme “Jubilee of Hope,” the Jubilee 2025 presents Catholics with a particular time of grace, forgiveness, and renewal. Traditionally, pilgrims worldwide journey to Rome to participate in this global celebration. However, not all faithful Catholics can make the pilgrimage to Rome. With this, the Vatican encouraged bishops to designate local churches and chapels worldwide as sites for prayer and reflection.
In the Philippines, these designated sites, including USL’s Good Shepherd Chapel, will provide Catholics with an accessible venue for pilgrimage and spiritual development exclusively for teenagers and youth on summer vacation. “These sacred sites will offer the faithful an opportunity for deeper reflection, conversion, and the experience of God’s infinite mercy,” shared Cardinal-elect Pablo Virgilio David, the CBCP President. Cardinal David’s words capture the core of the Jubilee’s mission, emphasizing reflection and renewal.
The Jubilee of Hope will officially commence on December 24, 2024, with Pope Francis presiding over a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica and ceremoniously opening the “Holy Door,” a symbolic gesture signifying the start of the holy year. From this date, millions of Catholics worldwide will unite in prayer, with places like the Good Shepherd Chapel offering them an accessible spiritual retreat.
This designation is an honor for USL and its community as the chapel becomes a place of adoration and reflection, contributing to the church’s missio et excellentia. With the holy year approaching, USL’s Good Shepherd Chapel is exceptionally enthusiastic about welcoming pilgrims, providing them with a religious atmosphere to deepen their faith and participate in the global celebration of hope and peace.
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