State Deputy’s Christmas Message

Worthy Brothers All,

This Christmas Eve, Pope Francis will open the Holy Door at Saint Peter’s Basilica to start the 2025 Jubilee Year that will last from December 24, 2024, to January 6, 2026. The Jubilee Year is meant to be one of celebration and mercy, but also a call of renewal to God.

The theme of this jubilee is “Pilgrims of Hope”. It will be filled with several events across the globe to bring hearts back to God. It will also offer indulgences as a reminder of God’s great mercy for us, His children.

Pope Francis stated: “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.”

As we prepare to celebrate another Christmas season and are launching into the Jubilee Year themed “Pilgrims of Hope,” Blessed Giorgio Frassati reminds and challenges us about the vision and pathway before us.

“During these darker and colder days, in the midst of a world still dealing with much violence and strife, our hearts are stirred by the meaning of the call to be alive and to deepening faith.”  A similar message comes to us from St. Paul: “Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died…. for as all die in Adam, so all will be made alive in Christ.” (see I Corinthians 15:20-22)

Let us remember that you and I are called to the hope that finds its source in the Saviour who comes to us at Christmas. The Incarnation – Jesus who is the Word of God made flesh among us – is the inspiration and source of all hope. This awareness has been the inspiration for the upcoming Jubilee Year, as we seek to be teachers and patterns of hope …for each other… and for the world.

Pope Francis as he announced the Jubilee Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope: “Put on faith and your life will take on a new flavor. Put on hope and every one of your days will be enlightened and your horizon will no longer be dark. Put on love and your life will be like a house built on rock, your journey will be joyful because you will find many friends to journey with you.”

May this new year bring you and your families joy, health, and peace. Thank you for all your unwavering dedication to our Order and for the positive impact you make every day. I look forward to another year of fellowship and service with all of you.

I wish you and your families a very Happy and Blessed joy-filled Christmas season, and may the New Year be filled with Prosperity and Good Health.

Vivat Jesus!

Fraternally,

Bob Jones
State Deputy