Bishop David Bonnar will celebrate on the Feast of the Holy Family on December 29
NEWS RELEASE
December 20, 2024
Contact: Dennis Biviano, PR & Media Specialist, (330) 744-8451, ext. 320; dbiviano@youngstowndiocese.org
YOUNGSTOWN, OH – The Most Rev. David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown, will celebrate the Opening Mass of the 2025 Jubilee Year on Sunday, December 29, 2024, 4:00 p.m. at Saint Columba Cathedral. Everyone is encouraged to attend as we join with the Church across the world and open this Jubilee Year. The Mass will be live streamed at catholicecho.org/live/ More events throughout the diocese will be released in coming weeks.
At the December 29 Mass, Bishop Bonnar will be wearing a vestment that has a logo for the 2025 Jubilee. That vestment will travel around the diocese and be worn by priests during the liturgy celebration. Also, representatives from each Deanery will present intentions of hope that were developed by each parish–that they intend to accomplish during the jubilee. These intentions will remain near the crucifix, then in the sanctuary of Saint Columba Cathedral during the Jubilee year.
This year’s theme is “Pilgrims of Hope.” It’s an opportunity as Catholics to promote peacebuilding in a world that is threatened by ongoing wars and climate change. Regarding the Jubilee, Pope Francis says “We must fan the flame of hope that has been given 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. The forthcoming Jubilee can contribute greatly to restoring a climate of hope and trust as a prelude to the renewal and rebirth that we so urgently desire.”
In his Advent letter to fellow priests within the Diocese of Youngstown, Bishop David Bonnar says “The new Liturgical Year brings a fresh beginning, the possibility of resolutions and goals with the expressed intent of helping us grow in holiness, health, and happiness. This time presents us with an opportunity to grow together as a presbyterate, for when we are together, we are stronger.”
The Jubilee officially begins on December 24, 2024, with the Opening of the Holy Door of Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome and concludes January 6, 2026, on the Feast of the Epiphany. You can view the official Jubilee Celebration Calendar for Rome here.
