Every 25 years, the Catholic Church celebrates a Jubilee Year. The pope can also call for an additional Jubilee year, as he did in 2015, The Year of Mercy.
These special years are an invitation to deepen our faith, experience God's mercy, and renew our commitment to living as Christ's disciples.
The concept of a Jubilee comes from Leviticus 25:10–13, where God had instructed the Israelites to observe a Jubilee Year every 50 years. It was a time of restoration where debts were forgiven and the land was allowed to rest.
The theme for this year's Jubilee is "Pilgrims of Hope." This theme reminds us of our journey to follow Christ and walk with hope in His promises to us. We can participate in the Jubilee by strengthening our faith by returning to the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation.
The traditional way to celebrate the Jubilee is as follows:
Make a pilgrimage. A typical pilgrimage would be to visit Rome, but you can also make a special trip to visit a local shrine or cathedral.
Seek reconciliation. We are invited to experience the fullness of God's mercy through the Sacarament of Confession
Perform Works of Mercy. Feed the hungry, visit the sick, and care for those in need. We are encouraged to live the Gospel through faith in action, or works of love and service.
Pass Through the Holy Doors. Many cathedrals, like St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, open Holy Doors only during the Jubilee Years. Walking through these doors is a symbolic gesture of passing into God's grace.
The Jubilee Year is a powerful reminder of hope and renewal. It helps us focus on what truly matters: our relationship with God, our love for others, and our role in building a more compassionate world. Let's embrace this special time with open hearts, ready to experience God's mercy and share his love with the world.
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