The Jubilee Year - Pilgrims of Hope
In May, Pope Francis announced the theme for Jubilee Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope (Spes non Confundit – Hope Does Not Disappoint). This theme challenges everyone to embrace hope and become its messengers in a world often marked by difficulty and uncertainty. All are invited to participate in this special year of faith.
Origins of the Jubilee
Rooted in ancient biblical tradition (Leviticus), the Jubilee Year was historically a time for freeing slaves, forgiving debts, and allowing the land to rest every 50 years. In the Christian tradition, it centres on reconciliation, renewal, and extending compassion to those on the margins. Observed every 25 years to ensure broader participation, the Jubilee provides an opportunity for spiritual reflection and celebration.
Preparations Underway in Ireland
Across Ireland, clergy, religious groups, and lay ministries are planning local and national events to mark the Jubilee. Specific occasions will be celebrated locally and in Rome, with the Irish Church aligning its own Synodal Pathwaygatherings with the Jubilee theme of hope, culminating in a national assembly in 2025.
At their Winter General Meeting in Maynooth, Irish bishops outlined a comprehensive programme for the Holy Year. The Jubilee will officially begin on Christmas Eve, 24 December, at 7:00 pm, with the opening of the Holy Door at Saint Peter’s Basilica, Rome. Irish dioceses will mark the solemn opening with Masses on Sunday, 29 December 2024.
Pilgrimage Sites and National Celebrations
Each diocese in Ireland will nominate a local pilgrimage site, with three national sites designated for the Jubilee:
- Our Lady’s Shrine, Knock, Co Mayo
- Croagh Patrick, Co Mayo
- Saint Patrick’s Purgatory, Lough Derg, Co Donegal
The Jubilee will also commemorate Ireland’s rich spiritual heritage. Notably, 2025 marks the 400th anniversary of Saint Oliver Plunkett’s birth and the centenary of Blessed Matt Talbott’s death. Their lives of faith and dedication will be celebrated as sources of inspiration.
Youth and Global Participation
A key highlight will be a youth pilgrimage to Rome next August, where Pope Francis will celebrate Mass. Events such as the Jubilee for Teenagers in April and the Jubilee for Young People in August will culminate in the canonisation of two contemporary witnesses to faith: Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati.
Plenary Indulgences and Resources
Pilgrims can gain a plenary indulgence by participating in specific Jubilee pilgrimages under conditions set by Pope Francis. Information on indulgences, events, and resources is available on the official Jubilee Year website iubilaeum2025.va.
Stay Connected
To engage with the Holy Year, the faithful are encouraged to explore the Jubilee app IUBILAEUM25, follow updates on CatholicBishops.ie, and participate in the countdown to the opening celebrations.
As Pope Francis reminds us, the Jubilee Year is a call to renew hope in Christ and embrace the journey as pilgrims of hope, inspired by the Apostle Paul and our shared faith.