
Each 25 year, a Jubilee is celebrated. This year Pope Francis announced 2025 a Jubilee year with the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’.
‘May this Jubilee Year strengthen our faith and help us to recognize Christ in the midst of our lives. Transform us into pilgrims who bring Christian hope to the world.’
Let us apply the virtue of hope to our daily lives. Be beacons of hope. The pope encourages us to have a deeper spiritual reflection on Mercy, to have concrete actions of compassion, forgiveness and solidarity. He encourages us to pray and be aware of the divine will in our daily lives. Look to the future with an open spirit and a trusting heart. Let us desire peace for the world and let us reach out to our brothers and sisters that need help.
The motto for the year is addressed to all Christians to walk together for a better future based on hope in search of God and His salvation. We are on a journey together to reconcile ourselves with God and neighbor.
During the year the faithful will have an opportunity to reflect and deepen their lives. The Church will grant special plenary indulgences which is a remission of the temporal punishment due for one’s sins. It is offered to persons that will pass through one of the Holy Doors in some designated Churches. Visit shrines, recite special prayers to improve your spiritual growth by reconciling with God, the Church and receive the ‘grace of forgiveness.’
The Jubilee Year starts on Dec 24th, 2024; it will be a special year of grace and forgiveness. Pope Francis will open the Holy Door of the Basilica of St. Peter at the Vatican, in Rome. This will mark the beginning of the Jubilee. In the following days, the doors of the other Jubilee basilicas and Churches will be opened worldwide. The year runs up to January 6, 2026, the Feast Day of Epiphany, as well as closing of the Holy Door.
This year, may we live our lives by saying:
“Hope in the Lord! Hold firm, take heart and hope in the Lord!” (Ps 27:14).
May we pray for the grace to live in Hope.