Clare N
The Catholic Diocese of Fort Portal officially closed the Jubilee Year of Hope today, December 28, 2025, in communion with dioceses around the world, with the exception of Rome, where the Jubilee will be formally concluded in early January.
The closing Mass was celebrated at Virika Cathedral in what was also celebrated as a Feast of the Holy Family of Nazareth.
Presiding over the Eucharistic celebration, the Ordinary of Fort Portal Diocese, Bishop Robert K. Muhiirwa Akiiki, encouraged Christians to continue making pilgrimages to holy places despite the closure of the Jubilee year stressing that prayer should remain their central purpose.
Lessons Learnt
The Bishop reminded them not to forget the lessons learned during the Jubilee Year of Hope, particularly the understanding that Christians are pilgrims on earth. He urged them to focus more on bringing hope to the hopeless rather than being overly attached to worldly pleasures.
Bishop Muhiirwa further called on Christians to reflect deeply on the symbols of the Jubilee Year and to live out their meaning in daily life. He emphasized that during times of trials and challenges, believers should not lose hope but trust in God, recognizing His presence especially in the Sacraments, most notably the Holy Eucharist.
The Diocesan Pastoral Coordinator, Rev. Fr. Gerald Akugizibwe, revealed that after being entrusted with coordinating the Jubilee Year activities in the Diocese, his office published a roadmap and a prayer guidebook to assist Christians during pilgrimages. He noted that over 18 parishes, along with several other groups, successfully made pilgrimages to Virika Cathedral.
He commended Bishop Muhiirwa for actively promoting and publicizing the significance of the Jubilee Year of Hope.
Christians testify
One of the pilgrims of hope, Maria from Kidukuru, testified that she greatly benefited from the pilgrimages, especially through meditation and deep prayer. She shared that the experience helped her to pray not only for herself but also for others.
The Jubilee Year of Hope in the Diocese of Fort Portal was inaugurated on December 29, 2024, by Bishop Robert Muhiirwa with a solemn Mass that began with the opening of the Holy Door at Bukwali Parish in Fort Portal City, a decision was influenced by the ongoing renovations at Virika Cathedral at the time, even though Pope Francis had instructed all bishops to celebrate the Jubilee rites at their respective cathedrals.
During the opening ceremony, Bishop Muhiirwa emphasized the need to prioritize acts of charity toward neighbors and the needy, noting that such actions would help restore hope in a world affected by hatred, epidemics, wars, suicides, hunger, and other challenges.