It will be a Jubilee that for the first time will have an inclusive pastoral approach
Article published on the website of The Sunday Examiner, Journal of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong, on 20 December 2024, freely translated by the volunteers of the Gionata project
The jubilee year 2025 will represent a historical turning point (in the Catholic Church) by welcoming for the first time in its official program also groups (and associations) which are engaged in pastoral care with LGBTQ+people, highlighting the mission of the Catholic Church to embrace each person.
This commitment reflects pope francis' constant Appeal For a more Welcoming and inclusive church, faithful to the evangelical message of love and compassion.
A pilgrimage dedicated to LGBTQ+ people and the pastoral realities close to them was set for September 6, 2025, at 3 pm, as part of the vast program of the Holy Year.
The association La Tenda di Gionata - committed to promoting the inclusion of LGBTQ+ people within christian communities - together with other similar realities will participate in a pilgrimage to the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica (Saturday 6 September, at 3 pm), preceded (Friday 5 September) by an evening vigil and (on the morning of Saturday 6 September) by a Mass at the Church of the Gesù in Rome.
This association is inspired in his path to the dream of the late Don David Esposito, founder de La Tenda di Gionata, who drew inspiration from the vision of Isaiah and his: "Enlarge your tent” (Isaiah 54:2).
Since 2018, in fact, this organization has created spaces of support for LGBTQ+ people and their families, promoting dialogue and reconciliation within the Catholic church.
Archbishop Rino Fisichella, vice-prefect of The dicastery for evangelization, underlined that this event is part of the broader jubilee celebrations, reiterating the message that "everyone is welcome”. Interviewed by Il Messaggero, he stated: “This pilgrimage is on the calendar like many others".
Agnese Palmucci, spokesperson for the dicastery, clarified in an interview with Reuters that, although these activities are not directly sponsored by the Holy See, they reflect the pastoral mission of the Church to accompany all people on their spiritual journey.
(...) The jubilee year, which will begin on Christmas Eve 2024 and end on January 6, 2026, will attract millions of pilgrims to Rome. Events such as the pilgrimage dedicated to the realities that make pastoral care with LGBTQ+ people embody the vision of Pope Francis for a Catholic Church that embraces all humanity with love and understanding, continuing to proclaim his message of mercy and accompaniment.
For Catholics around the world, this is an opportunity to reflect on how the Catholic Church can extend its pastoral care to the marginalized communities, remaining faithful to its mission to announce the Gospel.
The jubilee year of 2025 invites all the faithful to walk together in the unit, witnessing the transforming power of God's mercy.
Original text: Historic jubilee event highlights Church's inclusive pastoral approach
