Advincula to Catholics: Embark on ‘pilgrimages of prayer’

MANILA, Philippines — On New Year’s Day, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula urged the Catholic faithful to embark on “pilgrimages of prayer.”

In his New Year’s message, the 71-year-old Advincula said, “The Holy Father Pope Francis has asked that 2024 be a ‘Year of Prayer’ in preparation for the Jubilee 2025. I invite you to embark on ‘Pilgrimages of Prayer’ this year.”

“Let every ecclesiastical community go back to the centrality of prayer in our life as missionary disciples of Jesus,” he added.

Pope Francis earlier said that 2024 would become a “symphony of prayer” in preparation for the Jubilee 2025, which would carry the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.”

The Year 2024 is also the “Year of the Lord.”

“As all years, epochs and spaces are, we are pilgrims of hope together. There will be challenges along the way. But we are always assured that He walks with us. And so, we begin our journey, with courage and faith,” Advincula said.

For 2024, the Manila archbishop also asked the Catholic faithful to seek the intercession and guidance of Mother Mary and pray for world peace.

The prelate also encouraged the people to continue with the synodal process of walking together in communion, mission and participation.

“Let this new year be an occasion for us to review our initiatives in gradually forming ourselves into a synodal Church, and plan on how we can further implement and realize our Traslacion Roadmap, our six-year strategic plan in the Archdiocese,” he said.