On December 24, Pope Francis ushered in the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope with the traditional opening of the Holy Door at St Peter’s Basilica. The door is only opened during Jubilee years in order to allow in pilgrims. Yet, amid much excitement surrounding this historic event, many Catholics remain uncertain of the significance of the Jubilee Year. In this article we will dive into the history of the Jubilee Year, this year’s theme of hope, and how to participate.

History of the Jubilee Year in the Catholic Church

The concept of a Jubilee Year goes all the way back to the Old Testament. In Judaism, a Jubilee Year was a year that was declared holy by God. These usually occurred every 50 years. According to Mosaic law, a Jubilee Year was a special time of liberation and observing God’s law. According to the Book of Leviticus:

The fiftieth year shall be a Jubilee for you. You shall not sow nor reap. You shall not reap what grows on its own, and you shall not gather grapes from the undressed vines. It is a Jubilee and it is to be holy for you. You shall eat only what comes directly from the fields.

In the Jubilee Year you shall return each man to his property. If you sell some merchandise to your neighbor, or you buy something from your neighbor, you shall not take advantage of one another. (Leviticus 25:11-14 NCB)

Eventually, the Biblical concept of the jubilee was adapted to the Catholic tradition. The first Jubilee of the Christian era was declared in 1300 by Pope Boniface VIII. Over the next 150 years, the period was reduced to every 50, then every 25 years. Other “Extraordinary” Jubilee Years have been proclaimed throughout the church’s history, such as Pope Francis’ 2015 Jubilee Year of Mercy in honor of the 50th anniversary of the end of the Second Vatican Council. 

2025 Jubilee Year - “Pilgrims of Hope”

Pope Francis declared the 2025 Jubilee to be the Year of Hope. He began his papal bull, which officially proclaimed the 2025 Jubilee, with the words of Romans 5:5 “Spes non confundit,” or, “Hope does not disappoint.” Pope Francis goes on to say that “Christian hope does not deceive or disappoint because it is grounded in the certainty that nothing and no one may ever separate us from God’s love.” 

As pilgrimage to Rome traditionally plays a major role in Jubilee Year activities, Pope Francis encourages us to be “pilgrims of hope” even if our celebrations this year do not include a physical journey. His words remind us that we are all pilgrims, journeying toward eternal union with God. Pope Francis sees hope as key in keeping faith during these difficult times and laying the foundation for renewal in the Church. 

How to Participate in the Jubilee

Through Pilgrimage

When Pope Boniface VIII reestablished the Jubilee for the Christian era, he issued a bull of indulgence that those who, having confessed their sins, received the Eucharist, and made a pilgrimage to Rome, may receive a plenary indulgence - complete remission of temporal punishment caused by sin. 

So, pilgrimage to Rome has always been the main way for the faithful to participate in Jubilee Year celebrations. The official Vatican Jubilee 2025 website provides itineraries for various pilgrimage sites within Rome.

For the 2025 Jubilee, the Church has granted a plenary indulgence, under the usual conditions, for pilgrims who visit one of the four major papal basilicas of Rome, or various other holy sites. They have also decreed ways in which a personal unable to travel may obtain the indulgence. A complete list of ways to gain the Jubilee Year indulgence may be found in the official decree. 

For those not planning on going to Rome, bishops throughout the world are encouraged to “designate their cathedrals or a popular Catholic shrine as special places of prayer for Holy Year pilgrims, offering opportunities for reconciliation, indulgences and other events intended to strengthen and revive faith” (USCCB). 

Through Prayer

The faithful are encouraged to unite together in praying the official Jubilee prayer:

Father in heaven,

may the faith you have given us

in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,

and the flame of charity enkindled

in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,

reawaken in us the blessed hope

for the coming of your Kingdom.

 

May your grace transform us

into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.

May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos

in the sure expectation

of a new heaven and a new earth,

when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,

your glory will shine eternally.

 

May the grace of the Jubilee

reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,

a yearning for the treasures of heaven.

May that same grace spread

the joy and peace of our Redeemer

throughout the earth.

To you our God, eternally blessed,

be glory and praise for ever.

Amen.

Chiarelli’s Religious Goods

At Chiarelli’s, we have everything you need to make this Jubilee year truly special for your parishioners. Our collection includes beautifully crafted Jubilee 2025 chasubles, vibrant banners, and inspirational prayer cards, all designed to elevate the spirit of celebration and devotion. Whether you're preparing for a liturgical event or looking to enhance the prayer experience of your community, we have the perfect items to help make this sacred year unforgettable.