Third sacred pilgrimage site opens in La Plaine tomorrow

On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, the Diocese of Roseau will inaugurate its third sacred pilgrimage site, St. Francis Xavier in La Plaine.  A press release by the Diocese of Roseau announced this opening as part of the Diocese’s efforts to commemorate the Jubilee year of 2025, declared by Pope Francis as a time for spiritual renewal, reflection, and grace within the Catholic Church.

The festivities for the opening will commence at 5:30 PM with a procession originating from the village cross, followed by a Eucharistic celebration set to begin at 6:00 PM. The Diocese of Roseau had previously established two sacred pilgrimage sites, the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette Church located in St. Luke’s Parish in Pointe Michel and St. Peter’s in Colihaut. The final pilgrimage site, Our Lady of the Kalinago in Salybia, is scheduled to be unveiled on Friday, February 21, at 5:30 PM.

All faithful are encouraged by the Diocese to partake in what the Diocese characterizes as a significant moment of grace. Each of these four pilgrimage sites offers a sacred environment where individuals can engage in prayer, praise, adoration, and reconciliation while receiving special graces and the opportunity for a plenary indulgence, says the statement. Pilgrims may visit these locations individually, with family, or as part of prayer groups, church organizations, or social circles.

“The Jubilee is a special year of grace when the Catholic Church offers the faithful the chance to receive the plenary indulgence, meaning the forgiveness of sins for themselves or deceased relatives,” it continues.

Celebrated every twenty-five years, the theme for the Jubilee of 2025 is “Pilgrims of Hope,” highlighting the need for hope in a world grappling with the ramifications of war, the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and climate-related crises.

The church holds that pilgrims from around the globe will find Jubilee 2025 to be an exceptional occasion for embarking on a spiritual journey. The Jubilee commenced on December 24, 2024, with the opening of the Holy Door, and is scheduled to conclude on January 6, 2026. In the Diocese of Roseau, the official inauguration of the Jubilee year took place on December 29, 2024, at the Our Lady of Fair Haven Cathedral Chapel, presided over by His Lordship Bishop Kendrick Forbes. Additionally, this Jubilee year aligns with the 175th anniversary of the Diocese of Roseau, extending from January 2025 to April 2026.

As the Jubilee 25/26 celebrations unfold, all faithful are invited by the Catholic Church to engage actively and are encouraged to contribute their time, talent, and resources to ensure the success of the various planned events during this momentous period.