On Christmas Eve, Pope Francis began the 2025 Jubilee Year by opening the Holy Door, marking the commencement of this sacred period in the Catholic Church. As is customary, the Church will observe a Holy Year, a tradition upheld every 25 years to offer each generation the opportunity to partake in a reflective and spiritual time of grace and mercy.
Throughout the Jubilee, Catholics are encouraged to embark on pilgrimages to sacred sites, seeking reconciliation and a deeper communion with the faith.
Among these sites, Graymoor, the home of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement here in Garrison, has been selected by the Archdiocese of New York as a destination for pilgrimage during the Holy Year. In a world afflicted by immense challenges and tumult, Graymoor shines as a beacon of hope, inviting all who visit to encounter the serene peace and divine presence that emanates from the Holy Mountain.
In a similar spirit, we point to peace and unity this month. January 1 marks World Day of Peace, and from January 18 to 25, we observe the global Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. These celebrations serve as important reminders of God’s calling for us to love one another.
As the world becomes an increasingly interconnected community, the Friars work to foster unity by reaching out to other faiths through the Graymoor Ecumenical and Interreligious Institute. Respecting the religious convictions of others is necessary for promoting peace and mutual understanding.
In these uncertain times, it is crucial for people of goodwill to share their faith and collaborate in the pursuit of harmony and reconciliation. Only through such dialogue and empathy can we hope to end persecution and suffering.
As we enter the New Year, we will continue reaching out to individuals of all faiths, because we believe that while many things on earth are precious—and some are holy—humanity is Holy of Holies. I invite you to join us this year in our prayers for peace, unity, and understanding across the world, with the hope that this may truly be a “new” year.