As we step into this New Year, Caritas Philippines embraces the spirit of the upcoming Jubilee Year 2025, themed “Pilgrims of Hope.” This journey invites us to rekindle our faith, share the hope of the Christian message with the world, and renew our commitment to service, compassion, and justice.
We are reminded that hope is not passive; it calls us to act boldly and faithfully. This year, let us work to ensure that Caritas Philippines remains steadfast in serving the most marginalized and vulnerable. Together, we strive to better prepare for future disasters and climate impacts, embodying Christ’s call to care for creation and for one another.
As pilgrims of hope, we seek to inspire transformation in our nation by harnessing the influence and resources of the Church to advocate for meaningful and just elections. Our collective journey must reflect the Gospel values of truth, love, and integrity, ensuring a future built on the pillars of democracy and human dignity.
In this Jubilee spirit, we commit to a whole-of-Church approach to sustainable development and community empowerment. By uniting the Church’s structures with the efforts of the government and other stakeholders, we can create a society where no one is left behind.
Let us walk together as pilgrims of hope, carrying Christ’s light into the world. May this New Year be a time of renewal, resilience, and unwavering faith.
With prayers for a blessed New Year,
Most Rev. Jose Colin M. Bagaforo, D.D.
President, Caritas Philippines
Bishop of Kidapawan