Message from Bishop John
January 2025
BRIAN MALONE | LAKE SUPERIOR PHOTO
Bishop John Doerfler incenses the altar at the Mass celebrating the opening of the jubilee year in the Diocese of Marquette while Dcn. Louie Londo assists. The Mass was held at St. Peter Cathedral, Marquette, on Dec. 29, 2024.
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
We begin this Jubilee Year as Pilgrims of Hope. Our pilgrim journey guides our steps towards Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of our hope. Jesus does not disappoint. He offers us love, as Pope Francis wrote: “Hope is born of love and based on the love springing from the pierced heart of Jesus upon the cross: “For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life” (Rom 5:19).” (Spes non confundit, 3)
As a part of this pilgrim journey, the Lord calls us to inspire hope in others, especially those who are going through difficult times. Pope Francis wrote: “During the Holy Year, we are called to be tangible signs of hope for those of our brothers and sisters who experience hardships of any kind.” (Spes non confundit, 10)
In fact, one may obtain an indulgence everyday during the Jubilee simply by visiting and spending time with people experiencing hardships. The Church stated that “the faithful will be able to obtain the Jubilee Indulgence if they visit, for an appropriate amount of time, their brothers and sisters who are in need or in difficulty (the sick, prisoners, lonely elderly people, disabled people...), in a sense making a pilgrimage to Christ present in them (cf. Mt 25, 34-36) according to the usual spiritual, sacramental and prayer conditions. The faithful can repeat these visits throughout the Holy Year, even daily, acquiring a plenary indulgence each time.”
The “usual spiritual, sacramental and prayer conditions” are, being in a state of grace, detachment from sin, Holy Communion, Confession and prayers for the pope’s intentions.
Do you know people who are going through a tough time? Pay them a visit. Show them the love of Jesus. Bring them hope.
+Most Reverend John Doerfler
Bishop of Marquette
We begin this Jubilee Year as Pilgrims of Hope. Our pilgrim journey guides our steps towards Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of our hope. Jesus does not disappoint. He offers us love, as Pope Francis wrote: “Hope is born of love and based on the love springing from the pierced heart of Jesus upon the cross: “For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life” (Rom 5:19).” (Spes non confundit, 3)
As a part of this pilgrim journey, the Lord calls us to inspire hope in others, especially those who are going through difficult times. Pope Francis wrote: “During the Holy Year, we are called to be tangible signs of hope for those of our brothers and sisters who experience hardships of any kind.” (Spes non confundit, 10)
In fact, one may obtain an indulgence everyday during the Jubilee simply by visiting and spending time with people experiencing hardships. The Church stated that “the faithful will be able to obtain the Jubilee Indulgence if they visit, for an appropriate amount of time, their brothers and sisters who are in need or in difficulty (the sick, prisoners, lonely elderly people, disabled people...), in a sense making a pilgrimage to Christ present in them (cf. Mt 25, 34-36) according to the usual spiritual, sacramental and prayer conditions. The faithful can repeat these visits throughout the Holy Year, even daily, acquiring a plenary indulgence each time.”
The “usual spiritual, sacramental and prayer conditions” are, being in a state of grace, detachment from sin, Holy Communion, Confession and prayers for the pope’s intentions.
Do you know people who are going through a tough time? Pay them a visit. Show them the love of Jesus. Bring them hope.
+Most Reverend John Doerfler
Bishop of Marquette
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