Stella Maris International School initiates Jubilee Year activities

Feb 14, 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: During the Jubilee 2025, aptly themed Pilgrims of Hope, the entire Catholic community is called to stand in solidarity with those suffering from poverty, injustice, and conflict, sharing a hope that is deeply rooted in God's love and taking bold action for a better world.

Stella Maris International School in Damansara eagerly embraced the opportunity to make the most of the Jubilee Year, which occurs once every 25 years. Plans were already set in motion last year when it was announced that the Holy Father would launch this special year, dedicating it to forgiveness and the renewal of our relationship with God through prayer, repentance, and a rekindled faith.

To start, the Jubilee Year Prayer is recited before daily weekday Mass at the chapel. Fr Alvin Ho, SJ, the school’s chaplain, emphasised that it was crucial for Catholic students to be aware of the significance of this special year. The recitation of the prayer not only connects them to the global Catholic community, but also fosters solidarity with Rome. "The prayer asks the Lord to awaken in us a blessed hope for the coming of God’s Kingdom, seeking His grace to transform us into tireless cultivators of the Gospel seeds," said Fr Alvin. In his homily, he likened the students to pilgrims journeying towards a blessed hope, sharing with them the message that “hope does not disappoint.”

Other initiatives are planned throughout the year, including a pilgrimage during Lent to the Church of St Francis of Assisi in Cheras, for both primary and secondary students. This church is one of the four designated pilgrimage centres in the archdiocese for the Jubilee Year. This initiative aligns with Archbishop Julian Leow’s call to the faithful to deepen their understanding of the Jubilee Year, highlighting the spiritual significance of pilgrimages, which mirror the journey of life. Other projects include a student performance reflecting the Jubilee Year theme, prayer sessions, and other activities that will unfold throughout the year.

Tyler Zachary Kasavan, a Year 6 student and regular altar server at Mass, shared that he felt “something special” stirring within him whenever he was reminded of the significance of this year. Lincy Ann Clare, the teacher-coordinator for the school’s Catholic Society, said, “We look forward to this Jubilee with the hope that through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, all will be forgiven, that all will be made right, and that we can return home and begin anew.”

Amid the evolving landscape of Christian Mission Schools today, Stella Maris International School is leading the charge in upholding its Catholic identity. The Jubilee Year offers a wonderful opportunity to reinforce this commitment.