The Catholic Church in Myanmar formally closed the Jubilee Year 2025 on Sunday, January 4, with a solemn ceremony at St. Mary’s Cathedral, marking the end of a year dedicated to hope and the beginning of a renewed call to action.

His Eminence Cardinal Charles Bo led a procession of archbishops, bishops, and approximately 60 priests to the cathedral’s Jubilee Door, where he offered a closing prayer before the clergy and faithful entered for the closing Eucharistic celebration of the Jubilee Year.

In his homily for the Feast of the Epiphany, Archbishop Marco Tin Win of Mandalay reflected on the journey from being “Pilgrims of Hope” to now becoming “Pilgrims of Witness.” He drew inspiration from the Magi, noting that hope is a journey, faith is guided even in uncertainty, and hope must bear fruit in action.

“Though the Jubilee Door is closed, the Jubilee does not end,” he stated. “Hope must now walk on human feet.” He urged the faithful not to return to old ways but to walk a new path of peace and unity, just as the Magi returned home “by another way.”

Msgr. Andrea Ferrante, speaking on behalf of Pope Leo XIV, addressed the congregation, describing the Jubilee as “a moment of gratitude and a new beginning.” He acknowledged the global backdrop of war and injustice that challenges hope and emphasized that Christ Himself remains the ever-open door for the faithful.

He echoed the Pope’s call for communities to become “houses of peace,” built through daily acts of patience and courage, and made a special appeal for young people to become “artisans of peace.”

Msgr. Andrea requested the faithful to pray for Pope Leo XIV and for all Cardinals who will gather in the Vatican in the coming days for a dialogue on the issues concerning the life of the Church and the world. “Let us pray for His Eminence Cardinal Charles Bo, who is leaving to participate in this event,” said Msgr. Andrea.

The celebration incorporated cultural expressions of unity, including an offertory procession led by a traditional Kachin Manaw Dance. Bishop Francis Than Htun, Chairman of the National Jubilee Celebration, expressed gratitude to all bishops, clergy, religious, volunteers, and donors who contributed to the Jubilee’s events across Myanmar’s dioceses throughout the year.

The formal closing concluded with a grand dinner for all participants, symbolizing both the end of a year of grace and the beginning of the community’s continued mission to live and witness the hope they had celebrated.

By RVA Sgaw Karen Service