The Jubilee Year
Pilgrims of Hope 2025
The Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year 2025, themed “Pilgrims of Hope,” is a sacred period dedicated to spiritual renewal, forgiveness, and the strengthening of faith. Scheduled to commence on December 24, 2024, with the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, the Jubilee will conclude on January 6, 2026.
Significance of the Jubilee Year
Rooted in biblical tradition, a Jubilee Year serves as a time for the faithful to seek reconciliation, perform acts of devotion, and receive plenary indulgences. Historically, such years occur every 25 years, offering believers a unique opportunity for spiritual reflection and growth.
Theme: “Pilgrims of Hope”
Pope Francis has designated “Pilgrims of Hope” as the theme for this Jubilee, emphasizing the journey of faith amidst contemporary global challenges. He encourages the faithful to “fan the flame of hope” and approach the future with “an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision.”
Key Events and Traditions
• Opening of Holy Doors: The Jubilee will begin with Pope Francis opening the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve. Subsequently, Holy Doors at Rome’s other major basilicas—Saint John Lateran, Saint Mary Major, and Saint Paul Outside the Walls—will be opened, symbolizing pathways to salvation and inviting pilgrims to pass through for spiritual renewal.
• Pilgrimages and Indulgences: Pilgrims are encouraged to visit these basilicas, engage in prayer, and participate in the sacraments to receive plenary indulgences, which represent the remission of temporal punishment due to sin.
• Inclusive Events: Reflecting the Church’s commitment to inclusivity, the Vatican’s official calendar for the Jubilee includes events for diverse groups, such as LGBT Catholics, underscoring a message of universal welcome and hope.
Global Impact and Preparations
The Jubilee is expected to draw millions of pilgrims to Rome, prompting extensive preparations to accommodate the influx. The city is undertaking significant infrastructure projects to enhance the experience for visitors. Additionally, the Vatican plans to install webcams at St. Peter’s tomb and the Holy Door to provide virtual access for those unable to travel, extending the Jubilee’s reach worldwide.
The Jubilee Year 2025 stands as a beacon of hope, inviting all to embark on a spiritual journey toward renewal, unity, and a deeper connection with their faith.
Intoduction by Fr. John Kenny
Jubilee Year Pilgrims of Hope 2025 promotion for Croagh Patrick, Ireland's Holy Mountain.
Many thanks to Georgia Schofield Photographer and videographer from New Zealand • Filmed on Reek Sunday 2024
The Jubilee Year LOGO
The Jubilee Year Pilgrims of Hope 2025 logo shows four figures stylised to indicate humanity coming from the four corners of the earth. They are embracing each other to indicate the solidarity and brotherhood which joins the peoples. The figure at the head is holding onto the cross. It is not only the sign of the faith which embraces, but also of the hope which can never be abandoned because we are always in need of hope, especially in moments of great need. It is helpful to observe the rough waves underneath; this indicates that life’s pilgrimage does not always move in calm waters. Life’s circumstances and the events of the world often demand a greater call to hope and because of this we see that the lower part of the cross has been turned into an anchor which stands out in the wave. As is well known, the anchor has often been used as a metaphor of hope and as a matter of fact, the anchor of hope is the name used in maritime jargon as the name given to the reserve anchor used by vessels involved in emergency manoeuvres to stabilise the boat during storms. Do not ignore the fact that the image demonstrates that the pilgrim’s journey is not individual, but communal and marked by a growing vitality leading one always closer to the cross, which is itself by no means static, but also dynamic. It turns towards humanity, not leaving it alone but going out and meeting it to offer it the certainty of its presence and the sureness of hope. Finally, the motto of the 2025 Jubilee Year: Pelegrinantes in Spem (Pilgrims in hope), is very visible in green.
Pilgrims of Hope poster for St. Mary's Church
Thanks to Shelly O'Neill Gannon for the art work and design for our Jubilee Year Pilgrims of Hope poster for St. Mary's Church, Westport Tuam Archdiocese Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference Parish. Shelly generously presented this to our Parish free of charge. 🙌🖖👍
#PilgrimsOfHope
