This Christmas Eve there was another special event that took place at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Pope Francis opened the Holy Door marking the start of the Jubilee Year.
The Jubilee dates back to the Book of Leviticus (25:8-10), where the 50th year was a time for liberation, when debts were forgiven, Israelite slaves were set free, and land was returned. The word “jubilee” comes from the Hebrew “Yobel,” meaning ram’s horn, which was blown to announce the Jubilee has begun.
The tradition of Jubilee continues today, ever since Pope Boniface VIII initiated the first Jubilee in the Catholic Church in the year 1300. These special years, which now occur every 25 years, focus on mercy, forgiveness and reconciliation. Occasionally, an extraordinary Jubilee Year can be called such as the Year of Mercy in 2015.
There are many characteristics of a Jubilee Year. The most powerful sign is the opening of the Holy Door by the Pope which will remain open until Jan. 6, 2026. During this Jubilee Year, many pilgrims will walk through the Holy Door signifying the passage to salvation. Jesus said, “I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be safe.” (John 10:9) A pilgrimage is a journey to a holy site and helps us to remember that our whole life is a journey to our eternal home which is in heaven.
Another key aspect of the Jubilee is the opportunity for indulgences, where the faithful can receive remission of temporal punishment for sins through Confession, pilgrimage, Holy Communion, good works and prayer for the Pope’s intentions.
Pope Francis has themed this Jubilee year “Pilgrims of Hope.” He said, “Everyone knows what it is to hope. In the heart of each person, hope dwells as the desire and expectation of good things to come, despite our not knowing what the future may bring.” In this Jubilee Year, Pope Francis calls each one of us to be renewed in hope.
Here are some ideas for living the Jubilee Year to the fullest:
Celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Many parishes offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Saturdays, and during the Jubilee Year, there may be extra opportunities to take part. Encourage everyone in your family to make this an ongoing part of their spiritual lives.
Go on a pilgrimage. While travelling to Rome might not be possible for most families, there are pilgrimage sites closer to home. Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., has designated specific parishes within the diocese as pilgrimage churches. They are St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton; St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold; St. Anthony Church, Hamilton; St. Joan of Arc Church, Marlton; Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Long Branch, and St. Mary Church, Barnegat.
Share hope with others. Pope Francis has called us to become signs of hope to those around us, especially those who may be struggling. In a world that can sometimes feel discouraging, offering hope to others can have a powerful impact. Have your children create cards with words of encouragement for those who are sick or in nursing homes. Prepare care packages for those in need. Volunteer together as a family. Implement a random acts of kindness week for your family.
This Jubilee Year is a time to reconnect with God, strengthen family relationships and bring hope to the world. As we live out these opportunities for grace, we’ll be better able to help our children grow in faith and experience the joy of God’s mercy.
For additional ideas on how your family can live out the Jubilee Year,
go to https://dioceseoftrenton.org/monthly-resources
Michelle Angelo-Santoro is associate director of the diocesan Department of Catechesis
Faith at Home is a monthly column coordinated by the Diocese of Trenton’s Departments of Catechesis, Evangelization and Family Life, and Youth and Young Adult Ministry. For additional Faith at Home resources, visit dioceseoftrenton.org/faith-at-home
Booklet, videos and more available for Jubilee Year of Hope