by Fr. Ron Hoye, C.M.
Have you ever wished for a fresh start? A moment in life where you could hit "reset," let go of the past, be cleared of debt, be free from all burdens in your life… and start again without baggage and a renewed sense of hope?! Yea, me too! That’s exactly what Pope Francis is inviting us to experience with the Jubilee Year of Hope in 2025. But what exactly is a Jubilee Year, and why does it matter to us as Catholics today?
The concept of Jubilee is ancient—it goes back to the Old Testament. In the Book of Leviticus (25:10), God commanded the Israelites to celebrate a jubilee every 50 years. During this time, debts were forgiven, slaves were set free, and land was returned to its original owners. It was a time of mercy, justice, and new beginnings. It was like hitting a giant reset button on society, giving everyone a fresh start. The word "jubilee" comes from the Hebrew word "yovel", which refers to the ram's horn that was blown to announce this special year.
The Catholic Church adopted/renewed this practice in the year 1300 when Pope Boniface VIII proclaimed the first Christian Jubilee. Since then, popes have declared Jubilee Years every 25 to 50 years, offering the faithful special graces, such as the possibility of receiving a plenary indulgence, which is the complete remission of the punishment due to our sins.
Pope Francis has declared 2025 as the Jubilee Year of Hope. After years of global struggles—from the COVID-19 pandemic to wars, economic hardships, and personal challenges—he recognizes that the world needs a renewed spirit of hope. Hope is more than just wishful thinking. It is a deep trust that God IS working in our lives, even when we don’t see it. It’s the assurance that no matter how dark things may seem, God’s love and mercy are greater.
The Jubilee Year of Hope is a chance for all of us to experience that truth in a profound way.
1. Pilgrimage
One of the key elements of Jubilee is the pilgrimage. Pilgrimage symbolizes the believer’s journey toward God, seeking deeper conversion, healing, and renewal. The physical journey mirrors the inner transformation that is at the heart of the Jubilee.
2. Passing Through the Holy Door
One of the most significant aspects of a Jubilee pilgrimage is passing through the Holy Door of a major basilica (especially St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome). The Holy Door represents Christ, the “door” to salvation (John 10:9). Walking through it with a sincere heart is meant to signify a fresh start in grace.
3. Receiving the Jubilee Indulgence
Pilgrims who fulfill the necessary conditions—confession, Holy Communion, prayer for the Pope’s intentions, and detachment from sin—can receive a plenary indulgence, which remits all temporal punishment due to sin.
So, you might wonder: How can a Jubilee Year make a difference in my life?
It’s a Time to Reconnect with God – This year is an invitation to grow closer to Jesus. Whether it’s through prayer, confession, or attending Mass with greater devotion, this is a chance to renew your faith.
It’s a Call to Forgiveness and Healing – Just like in the Old Testament, a Jubilee is about setting things right. Are there people in your life you need to forgive? Do you need to ask for forgiveness yourself? Now is the perfect time.
It’s an Opportunity for Service – Pope Francis urges us to be “missionaries of hope.” That means reaching out to those who are struggling—the lonely, the poor, the sick—and being a sign of Christ’s love in the world. Our own Almsgiving program for Lent might be a great opportunity to do this?
Remember, a Jubilee Year is not just about individual spiritual growth - it's about our entire community growing together in faith. When we embrace hope collectively, we become witnesses to God's love in our world.
As we journey through this Jubilee Year of Hope together, I encourage you to see it as more than just another Church celebration. Think of it as your personal invitation to experience God's mercy in a special way, to renew your faith, and to become a messenger of hope for others.
Let's make this year count - not just for ourselves, but for everyone we meet. Because in the end, hope is contagious, and sometimes all it takes is one person alive with hope to inspire an entire community!
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For more detailed information on the Jubilee of Hope from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, visit their website: usccb.org/jubilee2025