Pope Francis has declared 2025 a Jubilee Year for our Church, themed “Pilgrims of Hope”, a year of hope for a world suffering the impacts of war, the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the climate crisis.
As Pope Francis states “the forthcoming Jubilee can contribute greatly to restoring a climate of hope and trust as a prelude to the renewal and rebirth that we so urgently desire; that is why I have chosen as the motto of the Jubilee, Pilgrims of Hope.”
What is a Jubilee?
Held every 25 years, a Jubilee Year is a sacred time of prayer, pilgrimage, and conversion. It is a call to experience God’s mercy through sacramental repentance and spiritual renewal.
The Jubilee of 2025 will commence on 24 December 2024 with the Opening of the Holy Door of Saint Peter’s Basilica and runs to 6 January 2026, the Feast of the Epiphany, with the closing of the Door.
Jubilee in the Diocese of Parramatta
During this extraordinary year, Bishop Vincent Long invites all to participate in the many events that will be taking place. In particular, everybody is invited to take a personal or small group pilgrimage to one or all three of our pilgrimage sites for the Jubilee Year:
The Franciscan Shrine of the Holy Innocents, Kellyville
St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta
Mount Schoenstatt Shrine, Mulgoa
A Jubilee Indulgence is granted to those who make a Jubilee pilgrimage during the year. Those who cannot make a jubilee pilgrimage due to illness or other circumstances are invited to take part in the spiritual movement that accompanies the Jubilee year, offering up the sufferings of their daily lives, and participating in reconciliation, prayer, and the Eucharistic celebration.
Key Events
Throughout 2025, there will be events for the many ‘jubilees’ during the year. For example, on Sunday 2 February 2025, the Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, there will be a Procession and Solemn High Mass for the Jubilee of Consecrated Life in St Patrick’s Cathedral.
Stay informed about upcoming events on our website and following updates on catholicoutlook.org.
Pilgrimages to Rome
In the spirit of being Pilgrims of Hope, two adult pilgrimages are planned to Rome and Rome and other countries in the footsteps of St Paul, with one specifically for young adults to coincide with the Jubilee of Youth in Rome at the end of July/early August.
Christian hope does not deceive or disappoint because it is grounded in the certainty that nothing and no one may ever separate us from God’s love.
– Pope Francis
Spes non confundit: Bull of Indiction of the Jubilee 2025
The Jubilee Year 2025 is a time to embrace hope, deepen our faith, and draw closer to God. Whether through local pilgrimage, community events, or spiritual acts at home, all are invited to be part of this remarkable journey of renewal and trust in the Gospel of Christ.