Jubilee Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope
By Sr. Mary Lewa, Ndola Diocese
A Jubilee Year in the Catholic Church is a special time of forgiveness, reconciliation, and renewal. It’s a moment when people are invited to return to a right relationship with God, one another, and all of creation. The 2025 Jubilee Year, titled Pilgrims of Hope, will begin on Christmas Eve 2024 and conclude on January 6, 2026.
What is a Jubilee Year?
A Jubilee Year offers the faithful a chance to receive Plenary Indulgences by embracing prayer, acts of mercy, and devotion, following the Church’s guidance. Special graces are given, and we are called to respond with an open heart to receive these blessings throughout the Year of Hope.
How to Receive a Plenary Indulgence:
- Sacramental Confession (within 20 days).
- Holy Communion on the day.
- Prayers for the Pope’s Intentions (e.g., 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary, 1 Glory Be; optional: the Creed).
- Detachment from sin is necessary.
You can apply the indulgence for your own soul or for a soul in Purgatory—but not for living souls. You can obtain two plenary indulgences for the deceased in one day during the Jubilee Year.
Additional Ways to Participate:
- Pilgrimage to Rome: Visit the holy basilicas, walk through a Jubilee Door, and pray for the Pope’s intentions.
- Local Jubilee Doors: If unable to go to Rome, visit your local Cathedral, Marian Shrine, or special Church designated by the Bishop.
- Perform Works of Mercy: Generous giving to the poor, visiting prisons or nursing homes.
- Spiritual Formation: Join diocesan or parish retreats, missions, or activities based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church or Vatican II Documents.
- Fasting: Dedicate at least one day a week to abstain from distractions like social media, TV, and video games.
Prayers and Devotions:
- Pray the Rosary or Chaplets.
- Offer prayers for priests, persecuted Christians, and spend time in Eucharistic Adoration.
- Trust in God’s grace with faith and an open heart.
Let us walk together as Pilgrims of Hope, embracing this year of mercy and love with hearts full of gratitude.
