Pilgrims of Hope: The 2025 Jubilee Year
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As we step into 2025, we are blessed to celebrate a Jubilee Year, a sacred time in the life of the Church that invites us to deepen our faith, experience God’s mercy, and renew our commitment to living as disciples of Jesus Christ. Many of you may be wondering, what exactly is a Jubilee Year, and how can we fully participate in this extraordinary gift of grace? Allow me to share some insights and encouragement as we journey together through this holy year.
The tradition of a Jubilee Year has its roots in the Old Testament, where God instructed the people of Israel to celebrate a year of jubilee every fifty years (Leviticus 25). It was a time of rest, restoration, and liberation: debts were forgiven, slaves were set free, and the land was allowed to rest. In the Church, the concept of a Jubilee Year was first formalized in 1300 by Pope Boniface VIII and has since been celebrated approximately every 25 years. The 2025 Jubilee Year, proclaimed by Pope Francis, carries the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” calling us to reflect on God’s mercy and renew our hope in Christ.
A Jubilee Year is a profound opportunity for spiritual renewal. The Church offers unique graces during this time, particularly the possibility of obtaining a plenary indulgence. By fulfilling specific spiritual practices—including confession, receiving Holy Communion, praying for the Pope’s intentions, and making a pilgrimage to designated holy sites—we can experience a complete remission of temporal punishment for our sins. This is not merely about wiping the slate clean; it is about being deeply reconciled with God and renewed in His love.
The Jubilee Year also invites us to rediscover the beauty of mercy—both receiving it and extending it to others. Through works of charity and forgiveness, we live out the Gospel message in tangible ways, becoming witnesses to Christ’s transformative love.
There are many ways to embrace the graces of the Jubilee Year. Here are a few suggestions:
- Make a Pilgrimage: Visit a designated holy site, such as the cathedral or a shrine associated with the Jubilee Year. If possible, plan a pilgrimage to Rome, where the Holy Doors of the major basilicas will be open. In the Archdiocese of Atlanta, the following churches have been designated as Pilgrimage Sites: Church of the Purification in Sharon, St. Paul in Cleveland, St. Brendan’s in Cumming, Our Lady of the Mountains in Lookout Mountain, Mary Our Queen in Peachtree Corners, and St. Matthew’s in Tyrone.
- Receive the Sacraments: Frequent reception of the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation are central to experiencing God’s mercy and grace during this time.
- Pray Intentionally: Commit to praying for the intentions of the Pope and for peace, healing, and hope in our world. Special prayers and reflections tied to the Jubilee Year theme are often made available by the Church.
- Engage in Works of Mercy: Practice the corporal and spiritual works of mercy—feed the hungry, visit the sick, forgive offenses, and comfort the sorrowful, to name a few. By serving others, we embody the hope and mercy of Christ.
- Deepen Your Faith: Participate in parish events, retreats, or study groups. This is an ideal time to grow in your understanding of Scripture and Church teaching.
Let us not let this sacred time pass us by without opening our hearts to the incredible graces God desires to pour out upon us. Together, as pilgrims of hope, may we journey closer to the heart of Jesus and become beacons of His love in a world in need.
Praised be Jesus Christ, now and forever!
All you holy saints of God, pray for us!
Peace in Christ,
Fr. Michael Silloway
Pastor