Ghent (Brussels Morning Newspaper): The Catholic Church’s Holy Year, “Pilgrims of Hope,” started on Christmas Eve. In Ghent, Bishop Lode van Hecke held a special Mass, focusing on faith and hope during tough times. He blessed 12 wooden “anchors of hope” made by students, which will travel around East Flanders to collect stories of hope.
The Catholic Church has started a special Holy Year, which happens every 25 years to celebrate the birth of Jesus. This year, called Pilgrims of Hope, began on Christmas Eve in Rome. Today on 29 December, a similar celebration took place in Ghent at St. Bavo’s Cathedral, where Bishop Lode van Hecke led a special Mass. He talked about how important it is for people to deepen their faith during this time. The bishop opened the celebration with a prayer outside and then led everyone to the cathedral, where he knocked on the gate three times to officially start the Holy Year.
What hope does Bishop Lode Van Hecke see amid global conflicts?
Lode Van Hecke talked about the many conflicts in the world, saying there are too many to count. He believes war and violence cause a lot of pain, which is why the Holy Year is important for bringing hope. He says we find hope in Christ and should share it with others, but he knows hope doesn’t solve everything. Van Hecke reminds that while people can change some things, true hope comes from our faith, not just from ourselves.
Bishop Van Hecke blessed 12 “anchors of hope” at a church service. Made by students in Deinze, these wooden anchors symbolize hope. Ten of them will travel around East Flanders this year, visiting parishes, care centers, schools, and hospitals to gather stories of hope.
