The Vice Rector of St. Gregory the Great Provincial Major Seminary, Very Rev. Fr. Benedict Adu-Frimpong, has stressed the centrality of hope as the Church prepares for the 2025 Jubilee Year, calling on the faithful to embrace the renewal it offers.
Speaking at the Conference of Major Superiors of Religious, Ghana (CMSR-GH) at the Pastoral Center in Sunyani, he urged religious leaders and consecrated persons to see hope not just as an abstract concept but as a transformative force in their spiritual and communal lives.
Quoting from Pope Francis’ declaration on the Jubilee Year, Fr. Adu-Frimpong reiterated that “Spes non confundit” (Hope does not disappoint), drawing from Romans 5:5 to affirm the significance of hope in sustaining the Church’s mission. He stressed that the Jubilee Year is not only a historical tradition but a time for deep spiritual introspection.
“The Jubilee Year provides an opportunity for individuals and communities to reflect, repent, and renew their commitment to God,” he stated, highlighting its relevance to contemporary challenges facing the Church and society.
During his address, Fr. Adu-Frimpong outlined the theological foundation of the Jubilee, tracing its roots to the Old Testament and its fulfillment in Christ. “In Leviticus 25, we see the call for liberty, restoration, and justice. This same call is echoed in Christ’s proclamation in Luke 4:18-19, where He declares a year of the Lord’s favor. As consecrated persons, we are tasked with making this a living reality for those we serve,” he explained.
A key aspect of the Jubilee, he noted, is the importance of justice and charity. He urged religious leaders to engage actively in works of mercy and advocacy for the marginalized. “If we really wish to prepare a path to peace in our world, let us commit ourselves to remedying the remote causes of injustice, settling unjust and unpayable debts, and feeding the hungry,” he said, quoting Pope Francis’ letter on the Jubilee Year.
Fr. Adu-Frimpong also touched on the practical spiritual implications for religious congregations, calling for a reinvigoration of community life, ecumenical unity, and mission-driven evangelization. “The consecrated life is not a solitary journey; it thrives in communion with the Church and the world. This Jubilee must challenge us to deepen our commitment to our vows and renew our dedication to service,” he emphasized.
The Jubilee Year, traditionally observed every 25 years, is a sacred period of reconciliation, mercy, and renewal. In preparation for the upcoming celebrations, Pope Francis has encouraged the faithful to engage deeply with the key documents of the Second Vatican Council, including Lumen Gentium, Dei Verbum, and Gaudium et Spes. These teachings, Fr. Adu-Frimpong said, provide a roadmap for understanding the modern Church’s mission and the role of consecrated persons in shaping its future.
In closing, he called on all present to embrace hope as a guiding principle in their spiritual and ministerial lives. “Hope is a gift of grace, as seen in the Blessed Virgin Mary, who remained steadfast in faith despite life’s trials. As we approach this Jubilee, let us remember the hope we have been given, which provides stability and security amidst life’s challenges,” he concluded.
The 2025 Jubilee Year celebrations continue to gather momentum worldwide, with religious leaders echoing the call for renewal, justice, and faith. As the Church embarks on this sacred journey, the message remains clear: Hope does not disappoint, and it is through faith and action that the world can be transformed.