Bishop of Algarve Calls for Hope and Renewal in 2025: A New Year Message

A Message of Hope from the Bishop of Algarve

D. Manuel Quintas dedicated the new year to Mary, emphasizing the importance of a personal and ecclesial renewal as the Catholic Church enters a Holy Year. During the New Year’s Mass in Loulé, he encouraged parishioners to embrace this year as a time of grace and transformation.

Photo: Folha do Domingo/Samuel Mendonça

In his sermon, he stated, "This is a year of grace, a gift from God, meant to transform our hearts and revolutionize our lives through our actions towards one another." He called on the community to be signs of hope in today's world, echoing Pope Francis' message for the jubilee.

D. Manuel highlighted the significance of the 27th Ordinary Jubilee of the Catholic Church, which commenced on December 29, 2024, where the doors of the cathedral were officially opened to usher in this period of spiritual renewal. He remarked, "The blessing of God always creates a dynamic of receiving and sharing, which is true love."

The bishop also pointed out the need for fraternal feelings to build peace, urging everyone to initiate the new year with these sentiments to truly become builders of peace. This message aligns with the celebration of the 58th World Day of Peace.

In his homily, D. Manuel Quintas emphasized the role of Mary as the one through whom Jesus came into the world, dedicating the year to her as a guiding figure for the diocese. He urged the faithful to open their hearts to receive God's gift and to embark on a journey of personal and communal transformation throughout this jubilee year.

The New Year’s Mass was co-celebrated by several clergy, including D. António Carrilho, and was attended by numerous parishioners, marking a hopeful start to 2025.