Metropolitan Borys Gudziak Opens Jubilee Year 2025 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Philadelphia

December 30, 2024

On December 29, 2024, Metropolitan Borys Gudziak, Archbishop of Philadelphia, led the Rite of Opening the Jubilee Year 2025 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The solemn ceremony began with a prayer for the blessing of the Jubilee Year, during which Fr. Volodymyr Radko read an excerpt from the papal bull Spes non confundit ("Hope does not disappoint").

The solemn Divine Liturgy featured a profound symbolic act: the Sacrament of Baptism of a newly born granddaugther of the cathedral rector. Also before reciting the Creed, all gathered were invited to partake in the renewal of their baptismal vows, marking a spiritual recommitment to faith and hope.

In his homily, Metropolitan Borys reflected on the call to hope issued by the Holy Father for the Jubilee Year, emphasizing its relevance in a world marred by suffering and division. "What hope did the thousand Jewish families have whose children were killed at a rock concert by Hamas? What hope do families in Gaza or Sudan hold? What is hope for 100 million refugees in the world? What is the hope for those suffering from the war in Ukraine?" the Archbishop asked, pointing to the universal need for hope amidst pain and despair.

"This Holy Year is an opportunity to refocus, set aside the noise, and see what is most important," Metropolitan Borys said. "It is a time to once again dive into the waters of Baptism, to be cleansed of our sins, and to be strengthened by the Body and Blood of our Lord. We are fragile and in need of true hope. Where there is pain, division, misunderstanding, guilt, and moral burden—there the Lord comes."

The opening of the Jubilee Year 2025 invites the faithful to renewal, reflection, and a deeper connection to the message of hope and salvation that defines the Christian faith.