Hope does not disappoint is the title of the Papal Bull for the 2025 Jubilee. I was delighted to be asked to speak at the Diocese of Clifton's diocesan day of preparation for the Jubilee which took the same title.

The day was held on 6th July 2024 at St Bernadette’s Secondary School in Whitchurch, Bristol. Canon Chris Thomas, the General Secretary for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales, was the first speaker. He contributed a profound meditation on Christian hope. I spoke about the part that walking pilgrimage can make by providing a hopeful sign in dark times.

In the afternoon the participants went into small groups with other members of their Pastoral Area to plan a Jubilee Celebration in 2025 for their own communities. They shared their specific plans during the plenary assembly. These plans are the first steps in celebrating the jubilee in Clifton diocese in our different pastoral area communities.

Bishop Bosco concluded the day with a practical list of ten ways we can all prepare for the 2025 Jubilee Pilgrims of Hope.

You can listen to both presentations, Bishop Bosco's concluding thoughts and some reflections from participants by clicking on the button below.



Photographs courtesy of Phil Gibbons, Diocese of Clifton.