JUBILEE 2025 – PILGRIMS OF HOPE

We have already entered the Jubilee Year, which has as its theme, “Pilgrims of Hope”. As Pope Francis reminds us, “We must fan the flame of hope… by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart, and far-sighted vision”. The Jubilee started on 24 December 2024, with the opening of the Holy Door of Saint Peter’s Basilica and will conclude on 6 January 2026, on the Feast of Epiphany. I believe that understanding few important aspects of this holy year will help us live through it in a more persuasive and fruitful manner.

The term “Jubilee” refers to a specific year that derives its name from the instrument used to mark its beginning – the yobel, or ram’s horn. The sound of the yobel signals the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), which is observed annually, but holds particular significance when it coincides with the start of the Jubilee Year. In the biblical tradition, this event is to be held every 50 years, considered an “extra” year, occurring every seven times seven years, i.e., after every 49 years (cf. Lev 25,8-13). In the Christian tradition, a Jubilee is a period marked by the remission of sins and reconciliation with God. It is a time for spiritual renewal and grace. During this period the faithful are encouraged to make pilgrimages, go to confession, participate in liturgical celebrations and perform works of mercy. This special occasion invites believers worldwide to renew their spiritual commitment and receive plenary indulgence. It is a celebration that involves not only Catholics, but garners interest and respect also from other religious denominations and people of goodwill.

Historically, Pope Boniface VIII inaugurated the first Jubilee in 1300, inviting people to experience God’s holiness and its transformative power. Initially, Jubilees were celebrated every 100 years. However, in 1343 Pope Clement VI reduced the interval to 50 years, and then in 1470, Pope Paul II further shortened it to 25 years. There have also been “extraordinary” Jubilees, such as in 1933 when Pope Pius XI commemorated “The Anniversary of the Redemption”, and in 2015 when Pope Francis proclaimed, “The Year of Mercy”. The last regular Jubilee was celebrated in 2000, known as “The Millennium Jubilee”, which was celebrated under Pope John Paul II. The Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy was celebrated from 8 December 2015 to 20 November 2016. These Jubilee events attract millions of pilgrims to Rome as well as to Cathedrals or specified Basilicas the world over, providing people with an opportunity for a renewed faith experience and spiritual growth.

I would like to highlight certain aspects of the Jubilee Year celebrations that can specifically enthuse our faith and encourage us in our commitment to the Church. At the heart of the Jubilee is the concept of plenary indulgence, which signifies the complete remission of sins for the faithful who meet specific conditions: sacramental confession, participation in the Eucharist, prayer according to the Pope’s intentions and the performance of a work of mercy or pilgrimage. This period also serves as an invitation for personal conversion and reconciliation with God and others. The faithful are called to renew their faith, deepen their prayer life, and engage in acts of charity toward those in need.

Pilgrimage is a significant aspect of the Jubilee Year. It involves embarking on a journey that includes contemplation of creation or nature, created by God. Through this pilgrimage the Church invites us to leave our comfort zones and cross certain boundaries. When we go on a journey, we don’t just change our location; we also transform ourselves. Therefore, it is essential to prepare thoroughly, plan the journey and understand the destination. The Bible describes Abraham as a person on a journey: “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house…” (Gen 12:1). Similarly, Jesus’ ministry is characterized by his journey from Galilee to the Holy City: “When the days drew near for him to be received up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51). Pilgrimage is an experience of conversion, allowing individuals to change their lives and orient them toward God’s holiness. Through this journey, one can also empathize with those who, for various reasons, must leave their homes in search of a better life for themselves and their families.

A prominent feature of the Jubilee Year is the Holy Door, which symbolizes a threshold that one crosses to be reconciled with God. It represents the ultimate goal of the pilgrimage. When pilgrims cross this threshold, they are reminded of the words from Chapter 10 of the Gospel of John: “I am the door; if anyone enters through me, he will be saved; he will go in and out and find pasture” (John 10:9). This act signifies the decision to follow and be guided by Jesus, the Good Shepherd. Additionally, the door serves as a passageway into the interior of a church. For the Christian community, the church is a sacred space that should be approached with respect, appropriate demeanour and proper attire. It represents the communion that unites every believer with Christ. The church is a place of encounter and dialogue, of reconciliation and peace, awaiting the visit of every pilgrim. It embodies the Church as a community of the faithful.

The Jubilee Year encompasses more than just spiritual practices. Along with interior transformation, as Pope Francis recommends, it calls upon all believers as well as nonbelievers of goodwill, to engage in acts of charity. Being generous to those in need is a fundamental gesture for celebrating the Jubilee and is one of the most vital aspects of a Christian’s life. It is important to understand that pilgrimage and the celebration of Jubilee indulgence should not be viewed merely as magical rituals. Rather, it is the practice of charity that gives them their true meaning and effectiveness. Additionally, charity serves as the primary sign of Christian faith and its specific form of credibility. According to the evangelist John, love for one’s neighbour will enable true disciples of Christ to be recognized as such. Therefore, it is clear that no believer can claim to have faith if they do not love, and conversely, one cannot claim to love if they do not believe. Charity holds a distinct place within the life of faith. In the context of the Holy Year, it is essential that Christian witness be reaffirmed as the most expressive form of conversion.

For us Salesians, the theme for the Jubilee 2025 resonates with the 2021 strenna given by the then Rector Major His Em. Ángel Fernández Artime: “Moved by Hope…”. The anchor, symbolizing hope, prominently features in our Salesian coat of arms and is seen in the logo for the Jubilee Year 2025. Hope is an essential attitude that we must embrace in our ministry. Without hope we risk becoming overwhelmed by our fears
and shortcomings, which can leave us uncertain about where and how to focus our efforts. By maintaining an attitude of hope, supported by our love for our ministry to young people, we can stay connected to their realities, no matter how foreign they may seem. When we Salesians approach our work with this hopeful perspective, we provide comfort to young people, demonstrating that even in the midst of uncertainty and confusion, we are committed to the journey ahead. As young people navigate their own uncertain and confusing paths, they will be reminded of our positive approach and can be prompted to imitate it for themselves. It is only through such positive approach and hope-filled outlook that life can be lived meaningfully.

Let our journey through the Jubilee Year lead us to personal conversion and reconciliation with God and one another. May it transform us into individuals of hope within our communities and places of ministry, inspiring others with the same. Let this journey encourage greater communion within and stronger solidarity with our less privileged brothers and sisters, especially the young.

Wishing you a New Year filled with true hope and full of God’s blessings, Yours Affectionately