“We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us
and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty
by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting
heart, and far-sighted vision. 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.” — Pope Francis
Understanding the Jubilee Year
What is a Jubilee?
A Jubilee Year is a time of forgiveness, renewal, and spiritual reflection in our relationship with God. In biblical tradition, a Jubilee was marked by the remission of debts, the return of property, and the restoration of relationships—among individuals, nations, and even creation itself (cf. Leviticus 25:8-55). The first Christian Jubilee was declared in 1300 by Pope Boniface VIII.
The 2025 Jubilee: Pilgrims of Hope
The upcoming Jubilee, titled Pilgrims of Hope, calls us to rediscover the hope found in Christianity and to become signs of hope in our daily lives. This sacred year will take place from December 29, 2024, to December 28, 2025.
As Pope Francis reminds us, “May this Jubilee be a moment of genuine, personal encounter with the Lord Jesus, the ‘door’ (cf. Jn 10:7,9) of our salvation, whom the Church is charged to proclaim always, everywhere, and to all as ‘our hope’ (1 Tim 1:1)” (Spes Non Confundit, 1).
Pilgrimages and Holy Doors
During Jubilee Years, the Pope designates Holy Doors for pilgrims to pass through as a sign of conversion—leaving behind their old way of life and embracing renewed faith and zeal. Passing through a Holy Door is an act of spiritual renewal and devotion.
This year, the only official Holy Doors will be in Rome. A replica of the Vatican’s Holy Doors can be found in our Commons area, serving as a reminder of the significance of this pilgrimage tradition.
Local Pilgrimage Sites
While the official Holy Doors are in Rome, local pilgrimage sites provide an opportunity for spiritual renewal during the Jubilee Year. Pilgrimage sites in our area currently include:
- Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus – Joliet
- St. Patrick Parish – Yorkville (see attached flyer)
- National Shrine of Saint Therese – Darien
- Corpus Christi, Carol Stream
- Immaculate Conception, Gilman
- St. Joseph, Bradley
- St. Joseph, Manhattan
- St. Peter, Itasca
- Sts. Peter and Paul, Naperville
What is an Indulgence?
An indulgence is the remission of temporal punishment due to sins that have already been forgiven. While repentance and confession bring forgiveness, sin disrupts God’s order and affects others. As part of divine justice, purification is necessary to restore this order.
An indulgence offers this purification through the merits of Christ’s sacrifice and the holiness of the saints, granting spiritual renewal without the suffering typically associated with penance.
How to Obtain a Jubilee Indulgence
To receive a Jubilee indulgence, one must:
- Perform the designated act of devotion.
- Confess their sins and be detached from all sin.
- Receive the Eucharist at Mass.
- Pray for the Pope’s intentions (all within a twenty-day timeframe).
Acts That Grant a Jubilee Indulgence
- Visit a Jubilee Site – Pilgrimage to a designated site must include participation in Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours, devotional prayers, or a penitential service with sacramental confession.
- Pious Visit to a Cathedral or Basilica – Adore the Eucharist for a suitable time, recite the Our Father and the Profession of Faith, and seek Mary’s intercession.
- Those unable to travel (due to illness, cloistered life, or imprisonment) can spiritually unite themselves with pilgrims by reciting the Our Father, making a Profession of Faith, and offering their sufferings to God.
- Engage in Spiritual Enrichment – Participate in a mission, spiritual exercises, or a study of Vatican II documents or the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
- Perform Works of Mercy – Visiting and assisting those in need is considered a pilgrimage to Christ Himself.
- Undertake Penitential Practices – This can include fasting or abstaining on Fridays, making charitable donations, or volunteering to serve others.
The Jubilee Year is a profound opportunity for spiritual renewal and deepening our commitment to faith. May this time of grace inspire us to grow in hope and holiness.