Happy Jubilee Year 2025!

By SHELLY HOLT

In case you have not heard, Pope Francis has engaged in a centuries-long Catholic tradition on Christmas Eve and introduced a first-time, historical addition to the holy ritual. Starting on December 24, the pontiff began opening a series of five Holy Doors throughout Rome to commence the 2025 Catholic Church Jubilee - a joyful commemoration of faith that normally occurs every 25 years.

After that Christmas Eve ritual, Pope Francis opened a symbolic door inside the Roman prison Rebibbia on December 26, the feast of St. Stephen. On Sunday, December 29, Pope Francis will open the Holy Door at Rome’s Cathedral, the Basilica Saint John Lateran, of which he is also the bishop. Then, on New Year’s Day - also a holy day of obligation, the Solemnity of Mary - the Holy Door at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major outside the Vatican in Rome will be opened. Lastly, on Sunday, January 5, Pope Francis will open the fifth and final Holy Door at the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome.

This month, the Winona-Rochester Council of Catholic Women is focusing on life from the moment of conception to the time of natural death! We realize being prolife is caring for the whole personman, woman, or child - through all stages of life. We respect life at every moment of the year; however, we pay particular attention with the March for Life and speaking with legislators in January.

Please join us for our Winter Quarterly Meeting Saturday, January 11, 2025 (designated Human Trafficking Awareness Day), at the Church of the Holy Trinity, 9946 SE 24th Ave, in Litomysl (near Owatonna). Every woman in the diocese is invited, including high school students. You are welcome by virtue of being a woman in the church! The meeting begins with registration at 8 a.m. and includes the Rosary, Mass, breakfast and lunch, and will feature an in-depth speaker at 10 a.m. - Andy Aplikowski, executive director of Human Life Alliance Minnesota. At 1 p.m., Senator Carla Nelson will share what to expect in the 2025 legislative session.

A Prayer for Life to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament

O Jesus, you came that we might have life – and have it in abundance. Together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, you form us in our mothers’ wombs and call us to love you for all eternity.

As your most precious gift of human life is attacked, draw us ever closer to your Real Presence in the Eucharist. Dispel the darkness of the culture of death, for you are the light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it.

By the power of your Eucharistic Presence, help us to defend the life of every human person at every stage. Transform our hearts to protect and cherish all whose lives are most vulnerable.

For you are God, forever and ever. Amen.

Shelly Holt is the president of the Winona-Rochester Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. She may be reached at shellyholttotalwellness@gmail.com or 507-381-2842.