By Anthony Adongo Apubeo/Lawrence Awuni
Bolgatanga, Dec 30, GNA – The Most Reverend Alfred Agyenta, Bishop of the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Catholic Diocese, has officially opened the Holy Door of the Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish in Bolgatanga to mark the Jubilee Year, 2025.
The historic event is a Catholic tradition dating back to the 15th century and taking place every 25 years, encouraging faithful to make pilgrimages to Rome.
This year’s theme, “pilgrimage of hope”, spanning until January 6, 2026, the Catholic faithful will be able to pass through the Holy Door as a sign of spiritual renewal, plenary indulgence and forgiveness for their sins.
The Diocese has also designated three places to serve as Holy grounds for faithful to make pilgrimage to including the Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish, Seven Sorrows Minor Basilica in Navrongo and the Spiritual Renewal Centre in Kongo.
As part of the ritual, the Bishop officially opened the Holy Door, inviting all faithful to walk through it as a symbolic act of grace, spiritual transformation and encouraged them to always walk through that door.
“In the scriptures, Jesus said, ‘I am the gate; whoever does not pass through is a thief.”, The Most Reverend Agyenta said as he performs the Jubilee Year ritual.
“By walking through this door, we are reminded that Christ is the gateway to eternal life. This jubilee year is a year of hope, and as we know, the daughter of hope is patience,” he said, emphasizing the need for steadfast faith in God’s promises.
He underscored the profound spiritual significance of this year’s jubilee celebrations, describing it as a time of renewed hope, patience, and unity.
Bishop Agyenta explained that the Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish was blessed as the Jubilee Year coincided with its centenary celebration in 2025.
Reflecting on the day’s liturgical readings, Bishop Agyenta tied the celebration to the Feast of the Holy Family, calling on the faithful to embrace the virtues of love, trust, and humility exemplified by Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
“The Holy Family inspires us to nurture stronger family bonds, cultivate mutual respect, and deepen our faith as a diocesan family,” he concluded.
GNA