YEAR OF JUBILEE

Pilgrims of Hope

2025 is a special year for our global Church family. It is a Jubilee year; a time for us all to grow in love of God, in love of each other, and in love of creation. The theme this year is Pilgrims of Hope.

Pope Francis has invited Catholics to renew our hope and discover a vision that can

"restore access to the fruits of the earth to everyone".

We are also invited to rediscover a spirituality of God's creation

We are "pilgrims on the earth" rather than masters of the world.

God our loving Father, help us in this year of Jubilee to grow in your love. Guided by your Holy Spirit, help us to walk and work with all your children, near and far, so that together we can share your hope with the world. We make this prayer through Christ, our Lord. Amen

We will be celebrating this Jubilee year by not only travelling to some of the special churches in the diocese on Pilgrimage, but also by going on our own spiritual Journeys. We will be using our Catholic Social Teaching to bring together ideas to spread Hope in our school and wider community. We will also be helping Our Parish celebrate its 100th year!

What is a 'Jubilee Year'?

In the Catholic Church, a Jubilee or Holy Year is a special year of forgiveness and reconciliation. People are invited to come back into relationship with God, with one another, and with all of creation.

A Jubilee Year is celebrated by the Church every 25 years. A Pope can also proclaim an Extraordinary Jubilee, like the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy which Pope Francis inaugurated in 2015.

The 2025 Jubilee Year begins on Christmas Eve 2024 and concludes on 6 January 2026.

What is a Pilgrimage?

A pilgrimage is a journey, especially a long one, made to some sacred place as an act of religious devotion.

It is an opportunity to explore your faith, help others and develop a better relationship with God.

The Vatican's Holy Door is a sacred portal in St. Peter's Basilica that is only opened during Jubilee Years. The door is a symbol of the spiritual journey from sin to grace.

How it works

The doors are usually sealed with mortar and cement from the inside.
The Pope ceremonially opens the doors during Jubilee Years.

Why it's significant

Crossing the Holy Door is a profound act of faith.
It offers an opportunity for renewal, forgiveness, and a deeper connection with the God.
It represents the crossing from a life of sin into a renewed spiritual life.

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