Pilgrims of Hope: Children Walking Towards Jesus in the Jubilee Year 2025
- By Fr. Robinson Parappilly
Tetere, Solomon Islands: “Let the little children come to me” (Mt. 19:14). It was a beautiful sight to see little children walking towards Jesus during this Jubilee Year 2025 in the Solomon Islands. More than 200 Sunday School children of Christ the King Parish, Tetere, came together for three days, from the 13th to the 15th, under the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope: Children Walking Towards Jesus.’ The parish organized the Jubilee 2025 celebration under the banner ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, focusing on renewing their relationship with God and sharing that hope with others. This year emphasizes the role of children as children of hope, encouraging them to recognize their importance in the Church and the world. They are motivated to participate in pilgrimages, acts of solidarity, and to spread joy, inspired by the Jubilee themes ofrenewal, reconciliation, and grace.
On the first day, the children carried the Jubilee Cross and a statue of Mama Mary in a procession to the main arena while singing the Jubilee song. These sacred symbols were placed in the main hall followed by the Jubilee prayer. The children then had a meditative Rosary service, followed by an official welcome from the Parish Priest. The day concluded with a screening of the beautiful movie The Miracle of Fatima.
The second day began with Zumba and fun morning exercises. The children danced and enjoyed themselves. The inaugural Mass was celebrated by Fr. Albert Lenon, the Assistant Parish Priest, who encouraged the children to keep Jesus in their hearts and walk with Him always.
The day’s first session focused on the significance of the Jubilee Year 2025. Fr. Gregory Bicomong, the Salesian Provincial Superior for PNGSI, explained the history and symbols of the Jubilee and why it is an important celebration in the Church.
In the second talk, Mrs. Sarah Manedetea, the Women’s Coordinator of the Archdiocese, spoke about child safety and abuse awareness. She emphasized that awareness of abuse and violence is crucial for children’s safety and well-being. It empowers them to recognize harmful situations, understand their rights, and seek help when needed. She encouraged creating safe spaces where children can speak freely and be educated about different forms of abuse and protection strategies.
In the third session, Fr. Robinson Parappilly, the Parish Priest, used animated movies and songs to explain how children can live out the Jubilee in their daily lives. He taught them how to grant forgiveness, make pilgrimages to different communities during feast days, practice works of mercy in their families, and be sources of hope in their communities. He also echoed the late Pope Francis’ message on caring for the environment, our common home. The children pledged to keep their schools, parish, and markets plastic-free and clean.
The children then cleaned the nearby market, hospital, RTC, and parish compound by collecting plastic, bottles, and papers. They also planted a few trees to show their love for the environment.
In the evening, they expressed their love for Mama Mary through a beautiful procession to the parish grotto, carrying her statue and praying the Rosary for the needs of the Church. Everyone enjoyed the dances and gave thanks to God for their lives and the Jubilee celebration.
On Sunday, Fr. Gregory Bicomong presided over the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. In his homily, he explained the meaning of the God Trinity and encouraged the children to love the Trinity. After Mass, the children enjoyed action songs and a reflection session. The children returned to their communities, ready to walk with Jesus and attend Sunday School faithfully every Sunday. Mr. Francis Ngaovera, the Sunday School Coordinator, thanked everyone for their active participation in the Jubilee celebration.
