This inaugural activity for the Jubilee year will continue to give hope to Christians who make their pilgrimage to the parish and other holy sites designated by the diocese for the Jubilee year, both locally and internationally, since the Holy Father and our ordinary Bishop, Robert Muhirwa Akiiki, emphasized that pilgrimage is a fundamental part of every Jubilee event during the launch of the Jubilee Year.

 The Dicastery for Evangelization in Rome spelled out seven characteristics of a Jubilee that highlight what is expected of Christians in celebration of the Jubilee. These include:

Making a pilgrimage: In the Jubilee Year, Christians are encouraged to make a pilgrimage to holy places both locally and internationally for the purpose of prayer and renewal. This is what Rev. Fr. Dr. Ronald Kawoya, C.S.C, emphasized while addressing Laudato Youth Initiative Leaders who met with him in “Trees of Reconciliation” at St. Adolf Holy Cross Parish, Kanyabachope – Fort Portal Diocese.

Holy Door: Christians are invited to make a pilgrimage to Rome and walk through the Jubilee doors of the four basilicas (St. Peter’s Basilica, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major), and at the diocesan level, Christians are encouraged to make pilgrimages to holy sites or pass through the door of the cathedral as guided by the Ordinary of the Diocese.

Reconciliation: The Sacrament of Penance is at the center of the Jubilee Year. Through dialogue, Christians need to critically examine what has torn them apart, leading to wars and separation. Laudato Youth Leaders had a conversation with Fr. Ronald on ways the Laudato Youth at the parish can champion activities geared towards peace building, environmental protection, and climate action.

Prayer: Christians are invited to promote the importance of individual and communal prayers as a means to open themselves to God’s presence and his offer of love. The Laudato Youth gathered to pray and will do more in uniting for climate action and integrating ecological work with prayer.

Liturgy: In the Jubilee Year, it’s important to stress the significance of Mass in the life of a Christian and how best to participate in it. We are looking forward to doing more in this area during this Jubilee year, and we shall have more green Masses.

Profession of Faith (Creed): The study of the Creed is a good act of preparation for celebrating the Jubilee Year.

Indulgences: The purpose of indulgences in the Catholic Church is to provide remission of the punishment for sins. In some ways, we all need and are hoping for reconciliation. Fr. Ronald mentioned that those in the community seeking unity and reconciliation in families, among generations, and across different cultural backgrounds are welcome to the parish, as he plans a peace and reconciliation-building prayer activity to work with the Laudato Youth Initiative during this Jubilee year.

This defines our hope to blend peace, environment, and climate action during this Jubilee year and beyond. We had the privilege to sit in an ecological forest that offers a serene space where individuals in conflict—such as couples of the parish—have an opportunity to step aside in a safe but quiet, nature-endowed ecological garden to talk to one another! They can listen in the silence of the trees and enjoy the beautiful healing sounds of birds; some even receive guidance and counseling. It is fascinating to witness the renewal that occurs in this natural setting, devoid of walls and boundaries, said Fr. Ronald. Surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature, with birds singing and trees swaying gently in the breeze, the calming atmosphere that has been created will foster reflection and connection for both parish pilgrims and those who will visit.

As this year’s theme invites us to be pilgrims of hope, and the Laudato Youth encourage us to be “Pilgrims of Green Hope,” spaces like these are life changing. The pilgrimages undertaken at St. Adolf Holy Cross Parish Kanyabachope serve as a testament to the power of God’s love, made manifest through the beauty of nature. 

This connection between faith and nature, justice and peace, is essential as we work towards peace and reconciliation in our communities.

As we look forward to more Jubilee Year activities, let this message of hope inspire an ecological, actionable world and build a larger community of Laudato Youth who seek healing of the world, peace, and reconciliation, recognizing the powerful role that nature plays in our journey towards building a world united for climate action. Together, we can create a world that reflects the love and compassion that God has for all of us.

Laudato voices for the Jubilee Year
Laudato Media Team