Understanding and encouraging family members through differences and conflicts; developing community in rural areas and among Internally Displaced Peoples (IDP). - Photo: Fr Jehoon Augustine Lee SSC
YEAR 2025: THE JUBILEE OF HOPE
On 24 December 2024, the Holy Door was opened at St Peter’s Basilica, marking the start of the 2025 Jubilee Year. Embracing the motto “Pilgrims of Hope,” this Jubilee will continue until the Solemnity of the Epiphany on 6 January 2026. The Jubilee originates from the Jewish tradition, representing a special time for the liberation and restoration of the oppressed. In ancient times, the Jewish people could reclaim their land and freedom during the Jubilee year, beginning anew.
In today’s world, the essence of this Jubilee is more urgently needed than ever, calling us to reflect on its true meaning as we consider those who have lost their homes and wander, those who have lost their jobs and worry about their livelihoods, those young people who have lost their dreams, those elderly with failing bodies and minds who know loneliness and those who have lost all hope.
THE REALITY OF MYANMAR: FINDING HOPE AMIDST CIVIL WAR
The civil war in Myanmar has continued to worsen since the military coup in 2021. Countless people have lost their homes and livelihoods. Those forcibly displaced by the military regime's violence are forced to wander in search of refuge.
What does the meaning of the Jubilee hold for them? Is there even a place they can return to? What hope do the displaced ethnic minorities of Myanmar, especially the Kachin, Karen and Shan people, have to reclaim their land now?
FORCED DISPLACEMENT AND IDP CAMPS: LOSING THE FOUNDATION OF LIFE
As a result of the tragic events of the civil war, many people in Myanmar are forced to live in United Nations-sponsored IDP (internally displaced persons) camps and temporary shelters, where they must deal with not just physical hardships but also their deep emotional scars. Unfortunately, their struggles grow even more intense each day in these camps due to ongoing shortages of food, water and medical assistance.
Many farmers have been unable to cultivate their land in areas that have become battlegrounds and those who have lost their jobs face difficulties sustaining their livelihoods. In a reality where even securing a meal to share with their families is a daily hurdle, they are suffering from extreme poverty and hunger.
Columban Fr Jehoon Lee in the underground shelter (bunker) in Myanmar. - Photo: Fr Jehoon Augustine Lee SSC
THE SPIRIT OF THE JUBILEE: A TIME OF RESTORATION FOR THE SUFFERING
Nonetheless, in Myanmar and for all of us living on this earth, the spirit of the Jubilee lives on. As Jesus said in the Gospel of Luke, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour” (Luke 4:18-19).
This word is the truth we must reflect on as we welcome the Jubilee. We hope this good news will reach those suffering in Myanmar and around the world. We must pray and act so that the oppressed and wounded can rise again and so we can embrace them and live together.
OUR HEART AS MISSIONARIES LIVING IN MYANMAR
The Columbans working in Myanmar strive to share the pain of the people we meet here and help them find hope. The civil war has brought suffering to many, but despite this, efforts to keep the flame of hope alive continue. We are living out the meaning of the Jubilee both here and in various parts of the world where people are suffering.
The Jubilee represents not only a moment to reflect on the past but also an opportunity to support those currently in distress, allowing them to heal and rebuild their lives. We hope for a day when everyone suffering in Myanmar can experience peace and freedom once more. Now is the time for us to intensify our efforts in helping them rediscover hope and restore joy to their lives.
We continue to make strides in these efforts by reaching out to families through the Diocesan Family Commission, to the suffering through the Rebirth Rehabilitation Centre addiction ministry, to the youth through the Catholic Student Action Myitkyina Student Learning Resources Centre and through the creation of a ministerial hub via the Columban Mission Office, which facilitates activities that promote the Columban Mission priorities on biodiversity conservation and accompanying refugees.
Understanding and encouraging family members through differences and conflicts; developing community in rural areas and among Internally Displaced Peoples (IDP). - Photo: Fr Jehoon Augustine Lee SSC
JUBILEE, THE PROMISE OF RESTORATION
The Jubilee is, in the end, a promise of restoration given to all who are oppressed and wounded. In Myanmar and wherever people suffer in the world, we should constantly pray and act so that they can regain their freedom and recover what they have lost. The true meaning of the Jubilee lies in caring for people. We must pray together for each other and share in the pain of others so that they can once again discover hope.
Columban Fr Jehoon Augustine Lee lives and works in Myanmar.
Listen to "Reflection - Jubilee 2025: A call for hope and restoration amidst Myanmar’s Crisis
Related links
- Read more from The Far East - January/February 2026
