Jubilee
What is the Jubilee?
The Jubilee, also known as the Holy Year, is an extraordinary and solemn event of the Catholic Church that occurs every 25 years. This special year is dedicated to reconciliation, conversion, and spiritual renewal, offering the faithful the opportunity to receive the plenary indulgence. It is a celebration that not only involves Catholics but also draws respect and interest from other religious communities and people of goodwill.
The Jubilee of 2025 will last from December 24, 2024, to January 6, 2026 and represents a moment of great significance for millions of faithful from around the world. It will be the second ordinary Jubilee presided over by Pope Francis, following the extraordinary Jubilee of 2015 dedicated to mercy.
The Origins of the Jubilee
The Jubilee has deep roots that trace back to the Old Testament. According to biblical tradition, every fiftieth year was proclaimed as a special time of freedom and reconciliation, during which debts were forgiven, slaves freed, and land returned to its original owners.
In the Christian context, the Jubilee was officially established in 1300 by Pope Boniface VIII as a time of forgiveness and spiritual renewal. Since then, it has become a regular event in the Catholic Church, celebrated every 25 years, with some exceptions for extraordinary Jubilees proclaimed for special occasions.
The Spiritual Meaning of the Jubilee
At the heart of the Jubilee lies the concept of the plenary indulgence, which represents the complete remission of sins for the faithful who fulfill certain conditions: sacramental confession, participation in the Eucharist, prayer according to the Pope's intentions, and performing a work of mercy or a pilgrimage.
This time also serves as an invitation for personal conversion and reconciliation with God and others. The faithful are encouraged to renew their faith, deepen their prayer life, and engage in acts of charity towards those in need.
The Rite of Opening the Holy Door
One of the most significant moments of the Jubilee is the opening of the Holy Door, a rite rich in symbolism. This special door is located in each of the four papal basilicas of Rome:
The Holy Door is sealed at the end of each Jubilee and reopened only for the next one. Passing through it represents a tangible sign of conversion and the journey toward salvation. The opening rite will begin with the Holy Door of St. Peter’s, followed by the other basilicas in the days after.
Pilgrimages During the Jubilee
Pilgrimage is one of the most common practices during the Jubilee. Faithful from all over the world travel to Rome to visit the papal basilicas and pass through the Holy Door. This symbolic gesture is accompanied by prayer, reflection, and participation in the sacraments.
Beyond Rome, many dioceses worldwide will open Holy Doors in designated cathedrals and shrines, allowing the faithful to experience the Jubilee within their local communities.
Main Events of the 2025 Jubilee
The Jubilee is filled with liturgical celebrations, prayer gatherings, and special events. Some of the main events planned in Rome include:
Solemn Masses in the papal basilicas
Special audiences with the Pope in St. Peter’s Square
Processions and prayer vigils
Days dedicated to specific groups such as youth, families, clergy, and the sick
Weekly events will focus on specific themes, offering pilgrims numerous opportunities to participate.
Preparing for the Jubilee
Participating in the Jubilee requires both spiritual and practical preparation. Here are some helpful tips:
Spiritual preparation: confession, prayer, and reading of the Holy Scriptures.
Travel planning: book flights, accommodations, and tickets for events or attractions in advance.
Organize your pilgrimage: decide which basilicas to visit and plan your itinerary.
Join the events: stay informed about the main events and register if necessary.
During the Jubilee, pilgrims will also have the opportunity to explore some of the most iconic Christian sites, including:
The St. Peter’s Basilica: The heart of Catholicism and the burial site of the Apostle Peter.
The Catacombs: Testimonies of the faith of early Christians.
The Holy Stairs: A site of prayer and devotion.