Christians have been called upon to recommit themselves to the Lord on their earthly journey as pilgrimage of hope, with an emphasis on renewal of life, steadfast faith, and daily practice of charity or love.
This call was made by Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, Bishop of Kabale Diocese while presiding over celebration of Mass to mark the climax of the Jubilee Year 2025 at Rushoroza Cathedral on Sunday, November 30, 2025. Bishop Rubaramira reminded the faithful that the call to spiritual renewal extends beyond the Jubilee Year but a journey which the Christian must walk daily.
We are pilgrims of hope. We are called to renew ourselves and stand firm in faith. Let this pilgrimage be a source of renewal—pray hard and grow in your faith – Bishop Callist Rubaramira.
As the Catholic Church started the new Liturgical Year with first Sunday of Advent, Bishop Rubaramira encouraged believers to prepare spiritually for the birth of Jesus Christ by reminding them that Advent is a sacred time for Christians to prepare their hearts for the birth of Jesus. He reminded them that Advent is a sacred period to meditate on Christ’s coming and to welcome His transforming presence.
He further urged the faithful to deepen and strengthen their relationship with God by listening to His voice and following His guidance thereby renewing their lives so that their words and actions reflect the character of the children of God who are inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Fr. Fidel Ndagijimana, the Pastoral Coordinator for Kabale Diocese thanked Bishop Callist Rubaramira who allowed the activities of the Jubilee Year descend to the Deaneries for all Christians to take part into. He also thanked the Deans and all Parish priests for helping their parishioners to participate in the Jubilee Year and spiritually benefit from it.
The Jubilee Year which is celebrated under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope” was inaugurated in Kabale Diocese on Sunday, January 5, 2025 (feast of Epiphany) had a number of activities which included pilgrimages (to Deaneries, Namugongo and Munyonyo, Kibeho and Rome), almsgiving/charity (to prisoners, the sick and the elderly), passing through the Holy Door among others.
The Jubilee Year which is celebrated in the Catholic Church after every 25 years was closed in Kabale Diocese on advent Sunday, November 30, 2025, but will be closed universally on January 6, 2026 on the Feast of Epiphany.
The celebration drew thousands of Christians and several dignitaries, including Kabale District Woman MP Hon. Catheline Ndamira Atwakiire, Ndorwa East MP Hon. Wilfred Niwagaba, Kabale Municipality MP Hon. Nicholas Thadeus Kamara, Mr. Zepher Mugisha, Assistant RDC for Kanungu District, Mr. Tumukwasiibwe Nicodemus Odo, Chairman Laity for Kabale Diocese, among others.