On Christmas Eve, the Holy Father opened the first Holy Door at Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome, kicking off the 2025 Jubilee Year. Jubilee years date back to ancient Judaism, and are a year (celebrated at set intervals) that is dedicated as holy.
The first Jubilee of Christianity was celebrated in 1300, and in recent centuries have occurred about every 25 years. You may remember an Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy in 2015, extraordinary because it fell outside of the usual schedule.
In 2025, the theme of the Holy Year is “Pilgrims of Hope”. In the official jubilee prayer, Pope Francis writes, “May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the treasures of heaven. May that same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer throughout the earth.”
So what does this Jubilee Year mean for us? There are many ways you can participate.
Make a Pilgrimage
A jubilee calls us to set out on a journey. As the Vatican explains, a pilgrimage not only changes our location, but it changes our very selves. It is not a vacation, but an experience of conversion. If you are able to, pack your bags and experience this Holy Year with a pilgrimage to Rome! And if not, make a visit to a holy place nearer to home – somewhere in your own country, or even within your own diocese. If you visit any of the sacred jubilee sites, you can receive a plenary indulgence!
Visit a Holy Door
If you make it to Rome, visit one of the Roman basilicas to enter through a Holy Door. This special tradition is symbolic in nature. It signifies a desire to conform one’s life to Christ, as in John chapter 10, Jesus says, “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.”
Get to Confession!
If you haven’t gone in a while, here’s your not-so-subtle reminder to get back to Confession. Don’t delay! Pope Francis desires that this Holy Year will inspire all the faithful to return to the Sacrament of Confession.
Receive the Jubilee Indulgence
As mentioned, you can receive the Jubilee Indulgence by visiting a sacred jubilee site. Even if you can’t make it to Rome, go on your own little pilgrimage closer to home. Visit your diocesan cathedral or whichever place your local bishop has designated as a place of pilgrimage for the year. You can also receive the Jubilee Indulgence through acts of mercy or penance. Find out more about that in the Papal Bull.
Keep listening to Relevant Radio for more news and special events from the Jubilee Year, including the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis in April and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati this summer!
Did you know – The Holy Door is not just any old door – it features sixteen panels that depict salvation history. If you’re interested in learning more, check out our dollar-a-day giving level during this Winter Pledge Drive. For a gift of $365, you will receive the book Opening the Holy Door by Joan Watson, an in-depth look at the beauty and richness of the jubilee holy doors.
WEDNESDAY ONLY SPECIAL PREMIUM $365 LEVEL – Divine Mercy Statue from the Veronese Collection – When you make a $365 donation to our Relevant Radio Pledge Drive, you will receive not only the book but also a beautiful cast bronze statue of the Divine Mercy (3.5″ tall). A stunning reminder of what this Jubilee Year is all about – growing closer to Christ and living in the hope that is found with His Mercy.
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