Saturday 4, 2025, Belmopan City, Belize
After the heavy rains of a few days before, it was a beautiful sunlit morning that welcomed members of the Roman Catholic Diocese, friends and visitors, as Pilgrims of Hope to Our Lady Of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral in Belmopan City for the official launch of Jubilee 2025 in Belize. For many it was an experience of a lifetime while for others they will be able to look back twenty five years from now, when they witness another similar event.
In a brief Introduction ceremony held across the street from the entrance of the Cathedral, Mr. Abel Vargas (English) and Mr. Jose Ortiz (Spanish) gave a history of Jubilee and explained the role to be played by the Diocese. This was followed by a liturgical Dance done by youths from Armenia Village.
Rev. Fr. Jordan Gongora then conducted the Introductory Rite. After the Gospel Reading by Deacon Lawrence Mangar, Mr. Percival Gideon read a part of the Bull of Indiction of the Jubilee Year. Everyone then slowly processed to the Cathedral. The historic moment came at the closed doors. Holding high a wooden cross, Fr. Jordan prayed “Hail Cross of Christ our only Hope”, to which the congregation responded, “You are our hope, we will never be confounded.” He then turned and laid his hands on the doors while praying silently for a moment. He then knocked three times for the doors to be opened. With the assistance of two Lay Ministers from inside the doors were opened. He took hold of the handles and officially opened the Holy Doors.
Followed by the clergy, he led the congregation through the doors for the official Mass to launch Jubilee 2025. A statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patron Saint of the Cathedral, was carried in followed by representatives of the various parishes carrying Jubilee 2025 banners.
It was beautiful multi-cultural Mass with lively participation from the Garifuna, Kriol, Mayan and Mestizo communities. The Mass ended with the singing of the new Belize Jubilee 2025 song, composed and played by Mr. Michael Kemp. Jr.