Last May, Pope Francis announced that the theme for the Jubilee 2025 as ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ (Spes non Confundit – Hope Does Not Disappoint). This theme of hope encourages each of us to be messengers of hope in our very troubled world. Everyone is invited to participate in this special year of faith.
The Jubilee has its origins in an ancient biblical tradition (Leviticus). Every 50th year was celebrated as a time for setting slaves free, for forgiving debts, and for allowing the land to rest. In our Christian tradition the Jubilee has a strong focus on reconciliation and renewal, including reaching out to people on the margins. It is normally celebrated every 25 years, so that more people can celebrate it at least once in a lifetime. Already in Ireland, many different groups: clergy, religious various ministries and lay apostolates, are preparing to celebrate specific jubilee occasions throughout 2025 locally and in Rome.
During the Jubilee year, at national and local level, the Irish Synodal Pathway will also journey with the theme of ‘Hope’ at its many meetings and prayerful discernment gatherings which will lead to a national assembly in 2025.
Today, on the first day of their Winter General meeting in Maynooth, the bishops planned for the Holy Year’s faith-filled and social programme for the Church in Ireland. On Christmas Eve, 24 December at 7.00pm, the Holy Year will begin with the opening of the Holy Door of Saint Peter’s Basilica, Rome. To echo the theme of hope, Pope Francis is calling on all Catholics to renew in the hope of Christ, using Saint Paul the Apostle as a guide for this special year. In Ireland, and around the world, each diocesan bishop will celebrate Mass on Sunday, 29 December, to mark the solemn opening of the Holy Year.
For Jubilee Year 2025, each diocese in Ireland will nominate a local pilgrimage site, and the bishops have designated the following three as national pilgrimage sites:
- Our Lady’s Shrine, Knock, Co Mayo
- Croagh Patrick, Co Mayo
- Saint Patrick’s Purgatory, Lough Derg, Co Donegal
Another focus of hope during the Jubilee Year will be the commemoration and appreciation of the great heritage of saints and martyrs we have in Ireland. In 2025 there will be a special commemoration to mark the birth, in 1625, of Saint Oliver Plunkett 400 years ago, and also to mark the one hundredth anniversary of the death of Blessed Matt Talbott. Reflection on the inspiration, dedication and devotion of these great role models is a help to unpack the treasures of hope.
One of the highlights of the year will be a specific youth pilgrimage to Rome next August, with Pope Francis celebrating Mass. Individual dioceses are already making concrete plans to attend. At the end of the Jubilees for Teenagers in April, and for Young People in August, there will be a canonisation ceremony for contemporary witnesses to faith, Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati.
A characteristic of a Holy Year – a plenary indulgence – has also been declared for specific jubilee pilgrimages. Last May, Pope Francis gave details for the Holy Year as well as conditions for the granting of Plenary Indulgence (see here). Many pilgrimage locations have been designated internationally for pilgrims to avail of the opportunity of the indulgence.
Bishops invite the faithful of all ages to participate in this Holy Year by browsing https://www.iubilaeum2025.va/en.html, and to stay informed with the dedicated app IUBILAEUM25. To encourage engagement, Jubilee Year updates, and a ‘countdown timer’ to the opening on Christmas Eve, are live on CatholicBishops.ie where many events will be featured as they arise.
ENDS
- The Dicastery for Evangelization www.iubilaeum2025.va/en.html hosts the official prayer, hymn and logo for Jubilee Year 2025 (see image above)
