In 2025, the Catholic Church will celebrate a Jubilee Year—a time of renewal, mercy, and abundant grace.
Pope Francis has declared this a Jubilee of Hope, calling all of us to trust in God’s promises and live as pilgrims of hope in a world that longs for His light.
But what does that mean? What is a “Jubilee Year” and what does it mean for you personally? And, most importantly, how can you fully embrace this sacred year?
What Is a Jubilee Year?
A Jubilee Year is a special year of grace and renewal in the Catholic Church. The idea comes from the Bible—every 50 years, God commanded the Israelites to forgive debts, free captives, and let the land rest (Leviticus 25). The Church adopted this tradition, and in 1300, Pope Boniface VIII declared the first Christian Jubilee. Since then, the Church has celebrated ordinary Jubilee Years every 25 years, with additional ones for special occasions.
Jubilees are meant to be a time of conversion, spiritual renewal, and deeper communion with Christ. Catholics are encouraged to seek God’s mercy, make pilgrimages, and live out their faith in an extraordinary way.
The Jubilee of Hope: A Call to Trust in God’s Promises
Pope Francis has chosen hope as the theme for this Jubilee. But what exactly is hope? It’s not just optimism—it’s a deep confidence in God’s love and faithfulness, even in difficult times.
The Holy Father invites all of us to embrace this year by deepening our faith through prayer, the sacraments, and acts of mercy. It’s an opportunity to walk as pilgrims of hope, carrying the light of Christ into the world and trusting in His promises.
How to Live the Jubilee Year Fully
How to Live the Jubilee Year Fully1. Receive the Sacraments Often
God pours out His grace through the sacraments, and the Jubilee is a perfect time to renew your commitment to Mass and Confession. Consider:
- Attending daily Mass when possible
- Going to Confession regularly
- Spending more time in Eucharistic Adoration
These small changes will deepen your relationship with Christ and transform your faith.
2. Go on a Pilgrimage
Pilgrimages are a powerful way to encounter God. While many Catholics will travel to Rome for the Jubilee, you can also visit:
- A local shrine or cathedral
- A Marian apparition site
- Any place of personal spiritual significance
If traveling isn’t possible, consider making a spiritual pilgrimage—dedicating a set time for prayer, reflection, and sacrifice, right where you are.
3. Receive the Jubilee Indulgence
During Jubilee Years, the Church grants a plenary indulgence, meaning you can receive full remission of temporal punishment due to sin. To receive it, you must:
1. Make a pilgrimage to a designated Jubilee site
2. Go to Confession and receive the Eucharist
3. Pray for the Pope’s intentions
4. Perform an act of mercy or devotion (such as visiting the sick or helping those in need)
This indulgence isn’t just for yourself—you can also offer it up for souls in purgatory, extending the grace of the Jubilee to others.
Additional Resources
Additional ResourcesWatch Dr. John Bergsma’s talk on SEEK Replay about what it means to be a pilgrim of hope. Watch it here!
Join a Lenten Bible Study with Curtis Martin and Dr. Edward Sri. The Crux is a seven-week study that explores the heart of the Gospel. New videos drop every Wednesday from March 5 to April 16 at 7 PM ET / 6 PM CT.
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