A celebration of hope for families and youth

RJ Mallannao reflects on the recent Jubilee celebration held for Deanery 2

On May 24, 2025, the sun shone brightly, but it was the light of faith that truly illuminated the hearts of everyone gathered. It wasn’t just another Saturday—it was a day that families, youth, and altar servers would remember for years to come. The Jubilee for Family and Youth was a momentous celebration filled with inspiration, connection, and unforgettable fun. Above all, it was a day marked by the powerful themes of Hope and Faith.

Held on the scenic grounds of Camp Artaban, the celebration brought together priests and parishioners from Peace River, Grimshaw, Fairview, Manning, and surrounding communities. The day began with a stirring message from Coadjutor Archbishop Charles Duval, whose words set the tone for the entire event. His reflection on the meaning of Jubilee was profound and deeply hopeful. He spoke not just about looking back on our lives, but about the importance of moving forward in faith, reminding all that hope is a constant companion in the journey of life.

“Jubilee is about new beginnings,” Archbishop Duval shared with a gentle conviction. “It is about recognizing that no matter how difficult the road ahead may seem, hope is always there, waiting to guide us.”

Duval especially focused on the theme of vocations, revealing that the true joy and meaning of our lives is found in discerning where God is calling us, and to be willing to follow His calling. This, above all, is what it takes to be a “pilgrim of hope”. If we trust in God and the plans He has for our lives, we can be pilgrims of hope, not just during this Jubilee Year, but each day of our lives.

“God gives each of us a special calling, to be a pilgrim of hope in wherever God has placed us. This is our vocation,” he said. “If we follow our vocation, if we look to where God is leading us, then we can be in pilgrims of hope, wherever God has planted us.

“So for the young people, I invite you to pray – pray and ask ‘Where is God calling me?’”

Those words resonated deeply, filling the hearts of everyone present ,with renewed purpose and a collective sense of unity. From that moment, the energy of the day was palpable.

Following Bishop Duval’s inspiring message, the community came together for a Concelebrated Mass—a sacred time for prayer, reflection, and unity in faith. The Mass particularly honoured the altar servers of Deanery 2. These young men and women, who serve the church so selflessly, were recognized for their dedication and unwavering commitment. The room erupted in applause, not just for their service but for the reminder they provided: true greatness often comes in humble service to others.

As the Mass concluded, the celebration continued with a sumptuous potluck lunch. This wasn’t just a meal—it was a moment to connect, to share stories, and to enjoy the gift of each other’s company. Families gathered around tables laden with delicious food, laughing and exchanging stories. From savory dishes to sweet treats, the meal was a beautiful reflection of community—of how we nourish not only our bodies but our spirits when we come together in love and fellowship.

Meanwhile, the altar servers gathered for the Altar Server’s Assembly, where Thomas Wollis, a local seminarian from our diocese, led an inspiring session that touched the hearts of all.

He shared his own journey of faith, the challenges he faced, and the moments of grace that sustained him. His message was one of hope and resilience—reminding the altar servers that their commitment is not just a duty, but a path that shapes both their faith and character.

“Our vocations – no matter what they are – these vocations are not for ourselves,” Thomas said to the youth gathered there. “They’re for the Church; they’re for the world. This idea of service, of vocation, its not just something that falls out of the sky and tell us ‘This is what I’m going to do’. It’s an intentional choice we make each and every day.

“Just as we chose to get up, to eat breakfast, to wave to a friend – those choices – those are the seeds of service and of vocation. So each of us in our own day is called to service is not just assisting the priest at the altar – though it is an admirable piece of service – but we are called to service and love, to love and care for those around us. We need to have a heart formed on Christ, we need to have a heart formed with Christ. If we do that, we can be intentionally present to those we meet, to everyone we encounter.”

This is only an excerpt. Read the full story in the June 2025 edition of Northern Light