The Jubilee of 2025, known as an Ordinary Jubilee, offers a unique invitation for people worldwide to embark on a pilgrimage of hope. Whether celebrated locally in dioceses, cathedrals, and Canada’s National Shrines, or by making a pilgrimage to Rome, this Jubilee calls us to seek out and embody signs of hope.
It’s a chance to reflect deeply on how we can bring hope to our families, friends, and communities, and to uplift those in need—the imprisoned, the sick, the young, and the elderly. As we prepare, let us open our hearts to this journey, becoming symbols of hope and renewal in the world.
What is a Jubilee Year?
A Jubilee Year is a special time for reflection, renewal, and reconnecting with God, others, and the world. The idea goes back to ancient traditions, where every 50th year was marked as a “jubilee”—an extra year that symbolized rest, renewal, and restoration.
In the Catholic Church, this tradition began in 1300 with Pope Boniface VIII, who declared the first Holy Jubilee Year. Originally intended to occur every 100 years, the interval was later shortened twice, and now a Jubilee Year takes place every 25 years. On significant occasions, the Pope may call an “extraordinary” Holy Year—like Pope Francis’ Year of Mercy in 2015.
What makes a Jubilee Year special?
Pilgrimage: A Journey with Purpose
A Jubilee invites us to go on a pilgrimage, a journey that represents personal growth as well as physical movement. It’s an opportunity to encounter new perspectives and deepen our understanding of faith and community. Some may choose to pilgrimage to Rome, but some dioceses and parishes may also hold their own pilgrimage activities locally.
The Holy Door: A Symbol of New Beginnings
The Jubilee begins with the Pope opening the Holy Door, inviting the faithful to step through as a sign of their commitment to follow Jesus. This act of crossing through the Holy Door symbolizes a fresh start, a willingness to walk with Jesus in a new way. Pope Francis will open the doors on December 24, 2024, and close them on January 6, 2026. In alignment with this sacred tradition, Bishop Gordon has decreed that every parish will have a Jubilee Holy Door, offering parishioners the opportunity to reaffirm their dedication to walking with Jesus each time they pass through.
Reconciliation: Restoring Our Relationship with God
During the Jubilee, we are called to put God at the center of our lives. It’s a time to seek forgiveness and experience God’s mercy through confession, letting go of past mistakes, and embracing God’s love. Special penitential services in the Diocese of Victoria will be announced throughout the year.
Prayer and Liturgy: Connecting with God and Each Other
In prayer and public worship, or liturgy, we are reminded of our connection to God and to one another. The Mass, at the heart of Christian liturgy, becomes a profound part of this renewal, helping the faithful remember they are part of a larger community journeying toward God’s Kingdom. Bishop Gordon will open the 2025 Jubilee Year in the Diocese of Victoria with a Mass at 11:00 am at St. Andrew’s Cathedral on December 29, 2024 (Feast of the Holy Family).
How can we live in hope?
Pope Francis has chosen “Pilgrims of Hope” as the theme for the upcoming Jubilee, encouraging us to cultivate hope and compassion. As we celebrate, we are invited to hear the voices of the poor and suffering, especially refugees and others facing hardship. Through acts of love, we can bring the light of hope to those in need.
As the Jubilee Year opens in December 2024, let’s embrace this time as an opportunity to renew our faith, find peace, and walk together in hope.