As we celebrate the dawn of 2025, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the blessings of the past year and the anticipation of a new year filled with hope and renewal. The joy of Christmas lingers in our hearts as we reflect on God’s boundless love, made manifest in the humble birth of Jesus Christ. His coming into the world reminds us that every season of life holds a promise of peace, a gift of renewal, and an assurance of hope.

As a parish community, this New Year is particularly special for us. We are not only preparing for the universal Jubilee 2025—declared by Pope Francis as a time to become “Pilgrims of Hope”—but also preparing to celebrate the Jubilee year of our parish’s founding. This milestone of dual celebration invites us to reflect on our journey as a faith community, honoring the past while embracing the opportunities to grow together in faith, hope, and love.

Pilgrims of Hope

In his message announcing the Jubilee, Pope Francis urges us: “We must fan the flame of hope that has been given to us and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart, and far-sighted vision.”

We must fan the flame of hope that has been given to us and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart, and far-sighted vision.

This message echoes deep inside our hearts as we face the challenges of our times with a renewed commitment to God’s call. A Jubilee is a sacred invitation to rediscover the beauty of our faith, encounter God’s mercy, and deepen our bonds with one another. It is a time to pause and give thanks to the Lord for the blessings we have received and to reimagine our mission as bearers of hope in a world that longs for God’s love and peace.

As we prepare to celebrate the Jubilee of our parish, let us honor the faith and dedication of those who have initiated and inspired this vibrant community over the years. Their prayers, sacrifices, and commitment have laid the foundation upon which we stand. This preparation for the jubilee year is a unique opportunity for each of us to contribute to the life of our parish by cultivating our God-given talents and sharing them with others.

Let us encourage one another to express our creativity through writing, storytelling, art, and acts of service. Through essays, poems, prayers, and testimonies, we can inspire each other and reflect the Spirit of the Jubilee. Together, we can create a living beam of hope, celebrating our shared faith and proclaiming God’s goodness.

As we embark on this journey, may the light of Christ guide us into the new year with joy and purpose. Let us embrace this new year with open hearts and a spirit of thanksgiving. Let it be a time of spiritual renewal, unity, and a deeper commitment to the mission of our parish and the Universal Church at large.

With every blessing for the New Year and the Jubilee journey ahead, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a hope-filled New Year!
Chief editor

Dr. Sebastian Valiyaparambil

Gratitude becomes a bridge to that trust. It doesn’t erase the unknowns, but it reframes them. Instead of focusing on what might happen tomorrow, it brings me back to the present—to the people, opportunities, and even challenges that God is using to shape me today.