“Jubilee” is the name given to a particular year. A time to re-establish a proper relationship with God, with one another, and with all of Creation. 

In the Catholic Church, the concept of Jubilee or ‘Holy Year’ was used to declare special years for forgiveness and reconciliation. The first Jubilee was declared by Pope Boniface VIII on 22nd February 1300 (Feast of the Chair of St. Peter), to mark the beginning of that century. He later recommended it occurring every 100 years.  

Letter of the Holy Father Francis for the Promotion of the New Evangelization for the Jubilee 2025.

In the letter that Pope Francis wrote in preparation for the Jubilee Year of 2025, he said that “The four Constitutions of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, together with the Magisterium of these recent decades, will continue to provide direction and guidance to God’s holy people, so that it can press forward in its mission of bringing the joyful proclamation of the Gospel to everyone.” 

After the time dedicated to reflection on the documents and the study of the fruits of the Second Vatican Council, Pope Francis has asked that 2024 be marked as a Year of Prayer to recover the desire to be in the presence of the Lord, to listen to him and adore him.