In preparation for the 2025 Jubilee Year 'Pilgrims of Hope', 2024 has been designated a Year of Prayer by Pope Francis. 

It started on Sunday 3 December 2023, the First Sunday of Advent. 

There is a particular focus on the Our Father, and this presents us with a great opportunity to go back to the basics of prayer.

Every Catholic is encouraged to reflect on their life of prayer: what they pray, how they pray and why they pray. This is for two reasons:
1 To encourage Catholics to deepen their prayer life and love of God;
2 For each Catholic to help at least one other person to pray during the Year of Prayer.

Archbishop Bernard Longley is calling on everyone to take part in the preparatory year.

“The Year of Prayer started on the first Sunday of Advent (3rd Dec). Pope Francis desires to see the Our Father become the “life programme” of every disciple, and so I invite our Diocesan family to prepare for the Jubilee Year 2025, 'Pilgrims of Hope', through a deeper devotion to prayer in this Year of Prayer! 

“At our recent Bishops’ Conference meeting, we resolved to work towards a renewal of our adoration of Jesus Christ and our service of neighbour. I pray that our Lord will guide us to become a more synodal, missionary and prayerful Church, as we approach the Holy Year.”

The Diocesan Office for Mission has already developed numerous resources, suggestions and ideas for people to get involved in the Year of Prayer within their families, parish and school communities.

Throughout 2024 there is set to be several events and initiatives taking place across the Archdiocese to mark the year, plus the availability of further resources to help people explore and deepen their life of prayer.

A monthly 'Pause for Prayer' video focused on intentions, teaching and testimonies has also been launched.

The 2025 Jubilee Year will begin on Christmas Eve 2024 with the opening of the Holy Door at St Peter’s Basilica, Rome.

You can access Year of Prayer resources here:

Diocesan website

Diocesan Office for Mission

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales website

CAFOD resources