Auxiliary Bishop Gerardo Colacicco told more than 300 faithful, “The Jubilee Year of 2025 focuses our attention on the virtue of hope; ultimately, hope in eternal life in Christ – the way, the truth, and the life.” 

The bishop’s words came during a Thursday, June 12 Mass at the St. Anthony Shrine at Graymoor, Garrison – a Jubilee of Hope Mass on the eve of the Feast of St. Anthony of Padua. The outdoor Mass also served as an introduction to a three-day celebration of the feast on the picturesque shrine property. During this Jubilee Year of Hope, the shrine has been named a pilgrimage site by the Archdiocese of New York.                

The multilingual St. Anthony celebration was held Friday, June 13, through Sunday, June 15, and was hosted by the shrine’s Franciscan Friars of the Atonement.                              

“Thank you very much for your hospitality and your warm welcome – all the friars and all the staff here at Graymoor,” Bishop Colacicco said early on during the homily.             

He went on to speak of the significance of the jubilee year, citing the day’s readings: “In (Christ the Lord) is the fullness of time; in Him is the time of jubilee; in Him all things are sanctified. As we gather on this Holy Mountain, as Graymoor is often referred to, we do so to honor the Jubilee Year of Hope as the Feast of St. Anthony of Padua approaches tomorrow.” 

The bishop also spoke of the importance of religious vocations, and of St. Anthony’s sainthood, dedicated works, and compassion for the poor. 

St. Anthony of Padua, born Fernando Martins de Bulhões, was a Portuguese Franciscan friar and priest, known for his powerful preaching and miracles. He was born in Lisbon in 1195 and later became known as St. Anthony of Padua after living in Padua, Italy. He died on June 13, 1231, in the Poor Clare monastery at Arcella – now part of Padua – at the age of 35. St. Anthony is most famously known as the patron saint of lost things and is often depicted with the infant Jesus. He is also the patron saint of the poor, of sailors and fishermen, of priests, and travelers.

John and Nubia Condon were among the attendees at the Jubilee of Hope Mass; their home parish is St. Kateri Tekakwitha in Lagrangeville.

“It was very beautiful,” Mr. Condon said of the bishop’s Mass. “And this is such a beautiful site, with the trees, nature, everything.” And Mrs. Condon added. “We’re very thankful – for the priests, and for our faith.”   

The bishop added in his homily, “The year is dedicated to God, and He in turn opens wide the door of His mercy for us. The jubilee year of 2025 focuses our attention on the virtue of hope – ultimately, hope in eternal life in Christ – the way, the truth, and the life. The faithful are asked to make a pilgrimage, especially to Rome. But for those who cannot fulfill that destination, shrines, like Graymoor, are appointed to be places of grace and mercy.” 

In addition, Bishop Colacicco said, “The normal conditions apply – confession of our sins within two weeks of this day; freedom from attachment to sin; the reception of Holy Communion; and prayers for the intentions of our Holy Father…Let’s reflect on this virtue of hope. Christian hope is eternal happiness with God in heaven; the cross of Christ is our ultimate sign of hope… Like St. Anthony and all the saints, we learn to trust in His plan, rather than our own, especially in the moments that we don’t yet quite understand what is happening. Padre Pio said it best: ‘pray, hope, and don’t worry.’” 

The weekend of events at the St. Anthony Shrine featured Masses in various languages, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, a novena and benediction, and a picnic; a Novena and Benediction.