I'd like to invite all our parishioners to a special opportunity on Saturday April 5, 2025. We are organizing a pilgrimage and tour of the Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland. This is a special year - a Jubilee Year - designated by Pope Francis, with the opportunity to receive a Plenary Indulgence by visiting the Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland or Mission San Jose in Fremont. I hope you can join us!
The Cathedral of Christ the Light was dedicated in 2008, making it one of the newest cathedrals in the United States. It is an award-winning church, full of symbolism and stark beauty. If you have never been there, it is really something to see. During this Jubilee Year the original cross from the first Catholic church in the diocese is on display in the Cathedral. By visiting the Cathedral and venerating (honoring) this original cross, participants are able to obtain the Plenary Indulgence of the Holy Father. The Plenary Indulgence offers the remission of all temporal punishment from sins confessed in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. To receive the Plenary Indulgence, within 20 days of visiting designated holy site, the pilgrim must receive the sacrament of Reconciliation, attend Holy Mass, receive Holy Communion, and pray for the needs of Pope Francis.
We will begin our Pilgrimage at the 1st Saturday Holy Mass at 8:00 am in St. Bonaventure Church. After Mass we will be commissioned to make our way to the Cathedral on our own. Carpooling is encouraged and directions to the parking lot at the Cathedral will be provided. We will reconvene at the Cathedral about 9:45am for an opening prayer and tours of the Cathedral in English and Spanish. At the end of our tour, we will have a closing prayer service and blessing, after which you can return home on your own. The following Tuesday, March 8 at 7:00pm is our St. Bonaventure Lenten Communal Reconciliation Service. This will be your opportunity to fulfill the Confession portion of the Plenary Indulgence.
Fr. Alfonso and I will be leading the pilgrims on April 5th starting with 8:00 am Mass and ending at the Cathedral. I hope you are able to join us for this grace-filled opportunity. It'll be fun, too!