Diocese of Digos Celebrated the Opening of Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope

The Diocese of Digos officially opened the Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope on December 29, 2024. The rites began at 9:00 AM at the Fatima Center, followed by a solemn Mass celebrated at the Mary Mediatrix of All Grace Cathedral presided by Most Rev. Guillermo D. Afable, D.D., together with Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Lariosa, Rev. Fr. Leonard J. Rabuya, Rev. Fr. Jonn Flor Mangrobang, Rev. Fr. Billy Lee Ulan-Ulan, Rev. Fr. Anselmo Forteza Jr. and Rev. Francis Tom Juntilla Armadillos.

The Cathedral was filled with pilgrims from various communities, including nuns, seminarians, police officers, government officials, and other faithful attendees who gathered for the momentous occasion.

In his homily, Bishop Afable began with a joyful greeting of “Mary Christmas!”—a playful rephrasing of “Merry” to “Mary,” in honor of the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. With humor and wisdom, he shared the local phrase, “Bahalag saging, basta naay ginamos,” replacing saging (bananas) with labing (loving), to emphasize that a true family is united by love.

Bishop Afable reminded everyone that earthly possessions do not define true happiness, as genuine joy comes from the heart. He imparted the message that one does not need to have much to find happiness. “No matter how different we all seem, in Christ, we are brothers and sisters. Jesus is hope,” he stated.

The Jubilee of Hope served as an invitation to trust in God once again and to embrace His gifts of hope, forgiveness, and new life. The faithful were encouraged to accept the call to a renewed life grounded in faith and hope, embracing the grace offered during this holy year.

The celebration marked the beginning of a meaningful journey for the diocese, as pilgrims of hope embarked on a year filled with grace, renewal, and unity. (Princess Deparine | MMC SoCCom Volunteer)