A Jubilee Year, also known as a Holy Year, is a special time of spiritual renewal, forgiveness, and reconnection with God.
Biblical Origins: Rooted in the Old Testament (Leviticus 25:8-13), a Jubilee occurred every 50 years, following seven cycles of seven years. It was marked by:
Forgiveness of debts
Return of misappropriated land
Resting the land (fallow period for fields)
Jesus and the Jubilee: In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus declares his mission as one of liberation and renewal, echoing the spirit of the Jubilee by bringing:
Good news to the poor
Freedom to captives
Healing to the oppressed
History of the Jubilee in the Church:
The first Jubilee was declared in 1300 by Pope Boniface VIII.
Originally held every 100 years, it was later reduced to every 25 years by Pope Paul II.
There have also been extraordinary Jubilees, like the Year of Mercy in 2015, declared by Pope Francis.
Key Practices in a Jubilee Year:
Pilgrimage to designated sacred sites (e.g., Roman Basilicas).
Passing through the Holy Door, a symbol of crossing into God’s grace.
Opportunity to receive a Plenary Indulgence.
A Jubilee Year remains a profound invitation for the faithful to experience God’s mercy, renew their faith, and foster reconciliation with others.
The Jubilee Indulgence is a powerful expression of God’s mercy, offering forgiveness and freeing hearts from the weight of sin by providing abundant grace for reparation.
Rooted in Christ and the Saints: It reflects the witness of Jesus and the saints, strengthening our hope for forgiveness.
Accessible to All: Even those unable to make a Jubilee pilgrimagedue to illness or other limitations can still receive the indulgence by:
Offering their daily sufferings to God
Participating in the Eucharist
This indulgence serves as a reminder of God’s limitless mercy and an invitation to spiritual renewal.
How to Receive a Plenary Indulgence During the 2025 Jubilee Year
During the Jubilee Year of 2025, Catholics can receive a Plenary Indulgence, a special grace offering remission of sins and God’s limitless mercy. Here’s how:
Spiritual Preparation:
Be truly repentant and go to Confession.
Receive Holy Communion.
Pray for the intentions of the Pope.
Pilgrimage to a Sacred Site:
Visit a Jubilee-designated site, such as:
Any of the four Major Papal Basilicas in Rome
The Holy Land or other approved Jubilee sites (like the Cathedral)
Participate in Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, or meditative prayer (including the Our Father, Profession of Faith, and Marian invocations).
For Those Unable to Travel:
Pray at home, offering up your sufferings or hardships.
Recite the Our Father, Profession of Faith, and other prayers aligned with the Jubilee’s purpose.
Acts of Mercy and Charity:
Perform works of mercy, such as visiting the sick, elderly, prisoners, or those in need.
Practice penance, such as:
Abstaining from distractions (e.g., excessive screen time).
Donating to the poor or supporting pro-life causes.
This Jubilee is an opportunity to deepen your faith, renew your spirit, and share God’s hope with others.