A Jubilee Encounter (Encuentro del Jubileo) is scheduled for Saturday, September 13, at the St. Frances Cabrini Shrine in the Washington Heights area of Manhattan, to be conducted in Spanish with themes related to the Church’s Jubilee Year of Hope.

The gathering, titled “De la Devocion Mariana al Compromiso Cristiano” (From Marian Devotion to Christian Commitment), is being organized by the Comite Altagraciano-Mercedario de la Arquidiocesis de Nueva York. Set to be held from 2 to 6 p.m., it will include Jubilee-related talks, confession, and a closing Mass.

“This will give all who attend an opportunity to celebrate this Jubilee Year of Hope and to learn more about its importance,” Deacon Rafael Taveras, a lead organizer, told The Good Newsroom. “It will be a time to share with others, to know the significance of being pilgrims of hope — and to get to know fellow pilgrims.”

He noted the gathering will focus on being united with the Lord, “who wants us to live in unity, to always seek peace for the world, which is what the Church has always asked for the world. The important thing is to be united in prayer during these difficult times. We should always journey toward hope — be pilgrims of hope. We should know the strength that is within us, the strength to achieve hope, achieve peace. As people of God, we cannot lose hope — for a world filled with hope and love and dedication.”

Deacon Taveras is assigned to Our Lady Queen of Martyrs-St. Jude parish in the Washington Heights area of Manhattan, and he serves as assistant spiritual director of the event’s planning committee. (The closing Mass will be celebrated by Father Ambiorix Rodriguez, spiritual director of the committee and pastor of St. Elizabeth Church in Washington Heights.)

Roelvi Jose Almonte, spokesman for the organizing committee, said, “This will be an experience to help us deepen our devotion to Our Lady.” Devotion to Mother Mary, he said, guides the faithful “to an authentic conversion in Christ — to live better, together with Mary, in order to reach the goal that we all want to reach, which is holiness.” Almonte is a lead volunteer at St. Margaret Mary Church in the Bronx.

Other events with Jubilee themes at the Shrine

The St. Frances Cabrini Shrine will sponsor or provide space for additional Jubilee-related gatherings in the coming weeks. They include:

Nights of Hope: First Fridays in September, October, and November. Each of these evenings will include confessions, Mass, and Adoration. Doors open at 6 p.m., Mass is at 7 p.m., followed by Adoration. Bring a group or come on your own.

Mass on Friday, September 5. Celebrant: Father Justin Cinnante, O. Carm.

Spanish Mass on Friday, October 3. Celebrant: Father Vincent Druding

Mass on Friday, November 7. Celebrant: Bishop Gerardo Colacicco

Speaker of Hope (Spanish): Thursday, September 25, 6:30 p.m., Father Eric Cruz. Theme: Faith and Immigration (Esperanza e Inmigración).

Family Day of Hope: Saturday, October 18, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. A day for families to celebrate the Jubilee with Mass, a picnic on the Shrine’s lawn, and activities for kids.

Music of Hope Concerts:

Saint Michael, Archangel of Hope, Sunday, October 5, at 5:30 p.m. The Majesty Chanters present Gregorian chants about St. Michael, $20 adult, $10 seniors and students.

Dal Sogno Quintet: Sunday, November 2 (5:30 to 7 p.m.). An all-women classical chamber ensemble in residence for the New York Women Composers, 2024-25 season. Their instrumentation features violin, viola, cello, flute, clarinet, and soprano and will showcase works by Chaminade, Mahler, and Messiaen, $20 adult, $10 seniors and students.

The year 2025 was declared a Jubilee Year of Hope by Pope Francis, marking a special time of grace, prayer, and pilgrimage within the Catholic Church. This year, themed “Pilgrims of Hope,” encourages Catholics to renew their faith, seek forgiveness, and find spiritual renewal through acts of pilgrimage and charity.