JUBILEE 2025: Pilgrims of Hope
Pope Francis’ proclamation of this Jubilee Year with the papal bull Spes non confundit is an encouragement in a time of fragmentation. The papal bull’s title puts forth the Jubilee Year’s theme, drawing from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans that “hope does not disappoint” (Romans 5:5). The theme for this Jubilee Year is “Pilgrims of Hope.” Whether or not we are able to cross the threshold of a holy door this year, we faithful are called to be not only pilgrims in this fallen world journeying towards the Heavenly Jerusalem, but pilgrims with that theological virtue which spurs us onward: hope.
Holy Doors
In crossing the threshold of the Holy Door, the pilgrim is reminded of the passage from chapter 10 of 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 expresses the decision to follow and be guided by Jesus, who is the Good Shepherd.
Indulgence
The Jubilee Indulgence is a concrete manifestation of God's mercy, which goes beyond and transforms the boundaries of human justice. This treasury of grace entered human history in the witness of Jesus and the saints, and by living in communion with them our hope for our own forgiveness is strengthened and becomes a certainty. The Jubilee indulgence allows us to free our hearts from the weight of sin because the reparation due for our sins is given freely and abundantly.
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.
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
