ZCCB Concludes Jubilee Year of Hope 2025

…urges the faithful to remain ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ amid challenges

The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) has reflected on the meaning, fruits, and enduring call of the Jubilee Year of Hope–2025, as the Church in Zambia marked the national closure of the Jubilee Year alongside the bi-annual National Catholic Forum.

Presenting the Pastoral Letter at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus, ZCCB President Archbishop Ignatius Chama reminded the faithful that the Jubilee Year, inspired by Pope Francis’ Bull Spes non Confundit (“Hope does not disappoint”), placed Christian hope at the heart of ecclesial life. “This hope, rooted not in optimism but in Christ himself, sustained the Church amid Zambia’s social, economic and environmental challenges.”

In a context of widening inequality, political disillusionment and moral uncertainty, the Church was called to remain a visible beacon of hope, justice, peace and unity.

Drawing from Scripture and Church teaching, the letter emphasized that Christian hope is total trust in God, grounded in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Hope, the bishops stressed, is personal, Christ himself, and gives believers the strength to live meaningfully in the present while looking toward eternal life. The Jubilee Year thus became a time of grace, healing and renewed commitment to the Gospel.

Across Zambia’s eleven dioceses, the Jubilee was marked by rich spiritual and pastoral activities. These included diocesan launches, widespread use of the Jubilee Prayer, pilgrimages, charitable works, reconciliation through the Sacrament of Confession, integral faith formation, and strong engagement with care for creation in the spirit of Laudato Si’. The bishops noted with gratitude the active participation of clergy, religious, lay faithful, youth, families and even non-Catholics, all united as “Pilgrims of Hope.”

The letter highlighted clear signs of hope: renewed sacramental life, stronger families rooted in prayer and forgiveness, vibrant youth participation, deepened lay apostolates, and concrete solidarity with the poor and vulnerable. Spiritually, the Jubilee rekindled faith, mission, unity and a sense of belonging within the Church.

Acknowledging Zambia’s recent hardships, especially the devastating drought and its economic consequences, the bishops pointed to God’s faithfulness, seen in the return of good rains and a bumper harvest, reinforcing the conviction that hope in God does not disappoint.

As the Jubilee Year concludes, Archbishop Chama urged the faithful to carry its spirit forward through deeper prayer, ethical leadership, social justice, care for life and creation, national unity, and support for vocations. Addressing national leaders, the bishops reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to walk with the nation, calling for integrity, dialogue, peace and the common good.

Apostolic Nuncio to Zambia and Malawi, His Excellency Gian Luca Perici commended ZCCB for guiding the faithful to respond positively to the theme and urged the faithful to continue living as Pilgrims of Hope and remain a beacon of hope and kindness.