You might have heard that 2025 is a Jubilee Year in the Catholic Church and may ask what is a Jubilee Year? Practically speaking, a Jubilee Year is the name that is given to a particular 365-day period set apart by the Holy Father for special prayer, pilgrimage, and graces. It is a rich tradition rooted in the Book of Leviticus, Chapter 25. “Jubilee” is a Jewish word from “yobel,” which is the ram’s horn, the instrument that is used to sound the beginning of that year in the Jewish faith. For the Israelites, the Jubilee Year took place every 50 years and was considered a sacred time when debts were forgiven, slaves were freed, and if there were any lands that were misappropriated, they were returned.
Over time, the Jubilee Year tradition died out until 1300 AD when Pope Boniface VIII, in the midst of a year of great suffering marked by wars and illness, hoped that in declaring a Jubilee Year, people would return to a more holy way of life and turn back to God. Many Christians began to travel to Rome, visiting the tombs of the saints and seeking the blessing of the Pope. In response, the Pope offered “indulgences,” from the word “favor” or “release,” originally with regard to the release of a slave or prisoner.
In a spiritual sense, an indulgence is a “release” from the temporal punishment due to sins. When I confess my sins, I am forgiven but I am still responsible for the consequences of my sins. Through a spiritual favor or “indulgence,” flowing from the spiritual treasures of the Church, i.e.—flowing from the pierced heart of Jesus on the Cross—the Holy Father offers a partial or plenary (complete) indulgence.
A Jubilee Year traditionally involves some type of a pilgrimage to a sacred place or shrine; crossing a threshold and entering through a doorway to symbolize a renewed relationship with God. In Rome, there is a door “Holy Door” at each of the major basilicas. And in every diocese the cathedral(s) becomes the Holy Door(s), through which one crosses the threshold and enters into the cathedral. The journey to the cathedral becomes a time of conversion, reconciliation, entering through the doors of the cathedral and spiritually opening up the doors of mercy. To gain a plenary indulgence requires a visit to the cathedral, prayers for the Holy Father, and the reception of the sacrament of Penance and Holy Communion within a 20-day period.
PILGRIMS OF HOPE
When Pope Francis announced that 2025 would be a Jubilee Year, he stated “We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision. The forthcoming Jubilee can contribute greatly to restoring a climate of hope and trust as a prelude to the renewal and rebirth that we so urgently desire.”
The theme of the 2025 Jubilee is, “Pilgrims of Hope,” and begins with the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica on Dec. 24, 2024 and it runs until Jan. 6, 2026.
I believe the decision of the Holy Father to focus on hope is inspired by the Holy Spirit. His document, “Spes Non Confundit,” “Hope does Not Disappoint,” is taken from Romans 5: 5. There seems to be a lack of hope in our world today, and without hope we lose a sense of purpose and meaning to life. There seems to be an existential despair that says we’re doomed. The Christian, on the other hand, is always marked by hope, called to be “pilgrims of hope.” The Good News of the Gospel has something to say to our world today. The joy of the Gospel and our encounter with Christ allows us to look beyond any particular difficulties we may be facing at the moment and believe that life can be better. A Christian proclaims that life is better with Christ. Christ gives meaning to every little act of kindness done in his name and to every work of mercy. While some may despair of so many poor in our world, the Christian is privileged to see Christ disguised in the poor. Jesus gives a greater motivation to every act of kindness or forgiveness. With hope, we have confidence that things will be better.
As part of the Jubilee Year for our diocese, our two cathedrals will have a special crucifix displayed. I invite every family to visit one of our cathedrals for Mass, pray the “Prayer before a Crucifix,” along with the “Our Father,” “Hail Mary,” and “Glory Be” for the intentions of the Holy Father. Then, within a 20-day span, to celebrate reconciliation. In my next column, I will highlight some of the important points from the Jubilee’s document, “Hope does Not Disappoint.” In the meantime, let us continue to grow in our love of Christ in the Eucharist.
“O Sacrament Most Holy, O Sacrament Divine, all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine.”
Published in the December 20, 2024 issue of The Mirror.
Photo: Logo for the 2025 Jubilee- https://www.iubilaeum2025.va/en/giubileo-2025/logo.html