Blessed New Year!
What does the church have in store for all of us as we step into the new year ahead? On Christmas Eve, Pope Francis has opened the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, warmly inviting the entire world into a profound encounter with God’s mercy. With this significant act, the Jubilee begins, “calling each and every one of us to open our hearts to renewal, forgiveness, and the nurturing of a deeper relationship with Christ, his Church, and our vibrant community of faith.” (USCCB) As we reflect on this moment, we are encouraged to embrace the potential for spiritual growth and transformation in the year ahead. The 2025 Jubilee and its theme, "Pilgrims of Hope."
CNS Photo/screengrab, Vatican Media
So what does it mean to be “pilgrims of hope”?
Pope John Paul II is famously known for saying, "Never, ever give up on hope, never doubt, never tire, and never become discouraged. Be not afraid" - A powerful message that emphasizes the vital importance of holding onto hope, even in the most challenging and difficult times, can inspire individuals to persevere and find strength. This message serves as a reminder that, despite the obstacles we may face, maintaining hope is essential for our well-being and resilience.
“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; that is why I have chosen as the motto of the Jubilee, Pilgrims of Hope. This will indeed be the case if we are capable of recovering a sense of universal fraternity and refuse to turn a blind eye to the tragedy of rampant poverty that prevents millions of men, women, young people and children from living in a manner worthy of our human dignity.”
– Pope Francis, Letter for the Promotion of the New Evangelization for the Jubilee 2025
So what exactly is a Jubilee in the church?
A "jubilee" is a special year named after the ram's horn (yobel) used to announce it. This event is linked to the Jewish holiday Yom Kippur, which happens every year but is particularly important in a Jubilee year, marked every 50 years. The Bible states that a Jubilee year should occur every 49 years, after seven cycles of seven years (Leviticus 25:8-13). Although challenging to organize, it was meant to restore relationships with God, others, and the earth, involving debt forgiveness, the return of land, and leaving fields uncultivated. The Holy Door: The Pope's opening of the door marks the start of the Holy Year. When pilgrims walk through the Holy Door, they remember St. John's Gospel: "I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture." Passing through the Holy Door shows the choice to follow and trust in Jesus, the Good Shepherd.
Pilgrimage: A Pilgrimage is a journey that changes a person to be more like God. While on this journey, one also understands the experiences of those who must leave their homes to find a better life for themselves and their families.
Reconciliation: A Jubilee year represents a time for reconciliation and conversion. It encourages us to place God at the center of our lives, helping us grow closer to Him and recognize His importance.
Prayer: The prayer chances on the journey indicate that the pilgrim keeps the path to God “in his heart” (Psalm 83:6). Sustenance comes from the intentional stops and rest opportunities we embrace at shrines and various spiritually significant places. It is within these sacred moments that one comes to truly understand that — both before us and beside us in our journey — we are accompanied by a profound sense of community and a shared faith that binds us together in meaningful ways.
Liturgy: At the heart of Christian worship is the Mass, where believers receive the true Body and Blood of Christ. As a pilgrim, (peregrina, Peregrino) Our beloved Jesus Christ walks with the disciples and shares the secrets of the Father, allowing them to say, like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” (Luke 24:29).
THE JUBILEE PRAYER
Father in heaven, may the faith you have given us in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother, and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of your Kingdom.enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of your Kingdom. May your grace transform us into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel. May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos in the sure expectation of a new heaven and a new earth, when, with the powers of Evil vanquished, your glory will shine eternally. May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the treasures of heaven. May that same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer throughout the earth. To you our God, eternally blessed, be glory and praise for ever. Amen
I wish each and every one of you a truly Blessed Jubilee Year filled with grace, joy, and meaningful experiences.
Keep at it!
Keep praying.
Love the Lord.
Peace and Grace.
