ERITREA: “We Remain Pilgrims of Hope”: Asmara Archbishop Closes Jubilee Year 2025
Closing Jubilee Year of Hope, Eritrea
Zerayohannes Ghebrehiwet
Archbishop Menghisteab Tesfamariam, accompanied by more than 30 co-celebrants, presided over the Holy Mass in the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Kidane Mehret for the faithful who gathered from all eight parishes of Asmara and closed the Holy Door marking the Official End of the Jubilee Year of Hope on 28th of December 2025.
In accordance with the instruction disseminated by the Archeparchial Secretariat, a preparatory prayer and meditation were scheduled for three days, and all the faithful were invited to participate in the evening prayer program that was organized and facilitated by the presbyter of Asmara from 25 – 27, 2025. During these days, several topics were presented on “union with Eucharist” by Fr. Kifleyesus Ghebresilasie, “Pilgrimage for the forgiveness of sins” by Fr. Sahle Haile, and “Jubilee in the Advent” by Fr. Hurui Fessehaye.
During the Mass, the Archbishop focused on Jesus’ journey with three of His disciples to the high mountain, where they encountered Moses and Elijah, who represent the Law and the prophets and bear witness to Jesus.
“We are here today to thank God for the grace He gave us in this Jubilee Year as pilgrims of hope and officially close the door we opened before a year, and conclude our whole year journey of joy, hope, repentance, and reconciliation” he said reminding the faithful that the pilgrimage is not ended as long as we are living on this world.
The Year of Jubilee celebrations formally ended with a call for continued spiritual commitment among the faithful. Speaking during the closing ceremony, the Prelate reminded the congregation that the end of the Jubilee did not mark the end of their faith journey.
“We started last year by opening the big door; we have closed that door today. But that does not mean we have stopped being the ‘pilgrims of hope’. We must continue the journey we have begun with gratitude, dedication, and diligence. We are travellers if we are here on earth; we are repentant if we are here on earth, walking in hope to meet our hope and fulfil all these,” the Prelate said.
In his final concluding remarks, Archbishop Menghisteab expressed his New Year best wishes to the Christians, saying, “May this new year be a year of prosperity, a year of peace, a year of love, a year of hope, and a year of faith, and the whole year of jubilee to reward holiness for all from our savior Jesus Christ.”
