Pope calls us to be Pilgrims of Hope says Bishop

Bishop Peter Collins has written a Pastoral Letter to mark the start of the Year of Jubilee 2025, which was read out at churches across the Diocese of East Anglia on Sunday December 29.

 Bishop Peter writes: “The Holy Father calls us to be ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ in the midst of the world; calls us to a fresh and genuine encounter with the Lord Jesus, who is the ‘door’ of our salvation (Jn.10:7.9). The hope we speak of is no mere optimism, it is the serene gift that confronts and conquers all pessimism and cynicism. The hope we speak of fosters that patience which addresses the frenetic haste of a world that has lost its way.

“Pope Francis is also calling us to discover hope in the signs of the times that are provided by the Lord himself. Our diocese is currently engaging with the principles outlined by the Synod on Synodality, for the synodal journey is not concluded but entrusted to the creativity of the local Churches (dioceses). We are charged with discerning the signs of the times as they impact upon our local and regional mission.

“This undertaking will constitute a great and challenging work over the coming two years. Whilst 2025 marks a worldwide Jubilee, 2026 will mark a particular Jubilee for East Anglia for we will then be celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the formation of our diocese. During the coming months we will reflect upon the first phase of our pastoral consultation and begin a second phase which will involve a much more concrete engagement with the realities that have been highlighted. It is my hope and intention that any emerging proposals for enhancing our mission will be ready for implementation by the autumn of 2026. Every Pilgrim of Hope must become a Missionary Disciple.

“Pope Francis opened the Holy Door at St Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve to inaugurate the Jubilee Year,” said Bishop Peter. “Whilst the faithful are encouraged to undertake a pilgrimage to Rome during a Year of Jubilee, the vast majority will be unable to travel. Therefore, each diocese has been empowered to designate its own Cathedral Church as a location for Jubilee pilgrimage, together with one other named site. I have nominated the Catholic National Shrine and Basilica of Our Lady at Walsingham as the second location for our own diocese. By undertaking a Jubilee pilgrimage the faithful can obtain a plenary indulgence whilst fulfilling the established norms.

“In January I will be journeying to Rome on pilgrimage, accompanied by ecumenical leaders from our region, including the Bishop of Norwich. We will encounter the Holy Father and hold meetings with the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity and with the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. I will again make pilgrimage to Rome in July when I will be leading our diocesan pilgrimage for Young People. Over 30 young adults have already committed themselves to this journey and I call upon others to consider joining our joyful project. A full itinerary of diocesan Jubilee celebrations has been posted on the diocesan website and will be advertised as the year unfolds.

Click here to read Bishop Peter’s full Pastoral Letter.

Click here to read a report and see pictures of the Year of Jubilee Opening Mass at St John’s Cathedral in Norwich on December 29 (pictured above).

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