The Jubilee Door is both a doorway into Christ’s mercy and a doorway outward to mission, Manila Archbishop Jose F. Cardinal Advincula said as Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Leveriza, Manila, celebrated its 75th anniversary on October 1, 2026.
Presiding over the anniversary Mass, Cardinal Advincula reflected on the parish’s Jubilee Door in light of the day’s readings from Job and the Gospel of Luke, presenting it as a sign that the Church remains open to those seeking God’s mercy while also sending the faithful out to serve.
“Ang Jubilee Door ay sabay na pinto ng papasók at pinto ng palabas,” Cardinal Advincula said. “Ito po ay pinto patungong kapahingahan ni Kristo at pinto rin patungong misyon kasama si Kristo.”
The homily first connected the 75-year history of the Leveriza community with Job’s perseverance amid suffering. Cardinal Advincula recalled the fires, floods and hardships experienced by residents and pointed to Job’s declaration, “Alam kong buhay ang aking Manunubos!” as a sign of faith that remains anchored in God despite trials. He also described the Jubilee Door as a sign of God’s enduring welcome, reminding the faithful that those who have become lost or weary can return to a place where they are received, forgiven and loved. “Laging may naghihintay sa iyong pagbabalik, pag-uwi, pagdating,” he said.
Reflecting on Jesus’ sending of the 72 disciples without a purse, bag or sandals, the Cardinal called the faithful to place their trust in God’s providence and to let go of spiritual burdens. “Para makapasok sa Jubilee Door, hinihingi po ni Hesus na ibaba natin ang ating mabibigat na bagaje – ang bagaje ng lumang galit at ang pitaka ng pagmamataas,” he said.
The teaching calls Christians to surrender anger and pride rather than rely solely on their own strength. “Kapag walang laman ang ating mga kamay, doon lang ito mapupuno ng biyaya ng Diyos,” Cardinal Advincula said, connecting this radical reliance on God with the faithfulness of the parish community over seven decades.
The homily then turned the Jubilee Door toward mission. Rather than remaining only a place where people enter to receive peace and rest, the Church sends them back into their communities through the dismissal at the end of Mass. “Ang Jubilee Door ay hindi dekorasyon. Ito ay misyon!” the Cardinal declared.
Cardinal Advincula concluded by recalling the parish’s beginnings in October 1951, when its first Sunday Mass was celebrated inside a garage at the Lopez family’s home on Agno Street before the parish had its own church. The humble beginning, he said, remains part of the parish’s missionary identity: “Huwag po ninyong kalimutan ang garaheng pinagmulan.”
(File Photo of RCAM Media)
