What is a Jubilee Year?
Jubilees are wonderful celebrations of significant milestones. You probably hear it most when people are talking about years of marriage. Catholic Jubilee Years encompass many practices and rituals. Pilgrims undertake journeys, often travelling to significant holy sites. The ritual opening of the Holy Door by the Pope. The focus on reconciliation allows forgiveness and healing. Liturgy and prayer offer moments of reflection, devotion communal worship, and strengthening of faith and beliefs that reinforce renewal and transformation that are central themes to the Jubilee Year.
What does the Bible say?
In Leviticus 25:10, we read that a jubilee is rooted in the idea of remission and universal pardon. The Jubilee Year in Jewish tradition is indeed a time of great joy and forgiveness. It marks the 50th year, during which debts are forgiven, enslaved people are freed, and land is returned to its original owners. The Jewish people call it Yovel, named after the ram’s horn, that is blown signifying its start.
Why does the Catholic Church celebrate Jubilee Years?
The establishment of the first jubilee or "Holy Year" by Pope Boniface VIII in 1300 was a significant moment in history and continues to be so for the Catholic Church. The jubilee signifies a period of special grace and celebration. The fundamental idea remains the same as it does for the Jewish people – remission, renewal, and reconciliation. It also encompasses broader themes of solidarity, hope, and justice. It's a call to serve with joy and to live in peace with one another, and the opportunity for a deeper connection with God's grace.
When is it celebrated?
Within the Catholic Church, ordinary jubilees have generally been celebrated every 25 or 50 years, with extraordinary jubilees in addition depending on what needs there might be in the world. For example, Pope Francis called an Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy in 2016. This year’s Jubilee started on 24 December 2024 with the Opening of the Holy Door of Saint Peter’s Basilica. It will finish on 6 January 2026 the Feast of the Epiphany, with the closing of the Door.
How is it launched?
Within the Catholic Church, it is the opening of this Holy Door that is a threshold moment that holds deep symbolic meaning within the context of the Jubilee. The act of the Pope opening the door is a powerful moment, marking the start of the Holy Year and inviting the faithful to partake in the blessings and graces associated with it. It is a beautiful expression of the transformative power of faith and the hope it brings to millions worldwide.
Why is pilgrimage an important aspect of the Jubilee Year?
The Jubilee Year is a profound year of grace, mercy and conversion involving prayer, pilgrimage, and sacramental repentance. It calls for us to set out on a journey and to cross boundaries. It's a journey that nourishes the soul and brings the pilgrim closer to God, and the call God has on their life. Therefore, a pilgrimage during the Jubilee Year can be a profoundly enriching practice that encompasses personal transformation, communal faith, historical continuity, and spiritual renewal.
What is the theme of this year's Jubilee?
In Pope Francis’ Papal Bull (a proclamation issued by the Pope) announcing the Jubilee Year, the initial words were ‘hope does not disappoint’. And so, the call is to be Pilgrims of Hope (official theme) and in the words of Pope Francis: “A pilgrimage on foot is a great aid for rediscovering the value of silence, effort and simplicity of life.” And in the words of Bishop Michael: “When we journey, we do not only change place physically, but we also change ourselves by allowing God’s grace to touch us.”
How can I get involved?
First and foremost, on Sunday 2 March there will be the Diocesan Launch. This will be a fantastic day of community where everyone from across the Diocese is invited to a pilgrimage, Mass and festival. On this day, more information will be available about other significant events on the calendar. There is also the opportunity to receive a Pilgrim Passport for those wishing to make the journey to as many of our local pilgrimage sites as possible. Read on to find out more…
What are the larger events on the calendar?
On 6 April, join with other churches in our area as we walk The Way of the Cross. On 8 Aug, there will be an aMeN caMiNo Experience for those who would like to support our Camino pilgrims. There is also an amazing opportunity to pilgrim with Bishop Michael following in the footsteps of St Paul and visiting Rome from 25 Sept-11 Oct. The NATSICC Assembly will be on 29 Sept-3 Oct, and the Australian Catholic Youth Festival on 30 Nov-2 Dec in Melbourne. For more information, email: mission@mn.catholic.org.au
Where are our local pilgrimage sites?
Bishop Michael particularly wishes to highlight parish communities who have offered their Churches as sites of pilgrimage for the Jubilee Year. The official sites are as follows: Sacred Heart Cathedral-Newcastle West, St Mary Star of the Sea-Newcastle, St John the Baptist Shrine-Maitland, St Joseph’s-East Maitland, St Joseph’s-Murrurundi, Blessed Virgin Mary Queen of Peace-Scone, Our Lady of the Rosary Church-Taree and Saints Patrick & Brigid-Cooranbong (you could make this last one part of your support to the Camino pilgrims). Keep watching for more events to follow as the year goes on…
Join us!
Bishop Michael invites all to celebrate the Jubilee Year with a special event on Sunday 2 March!
It will start with a Diocesan pilgrimage from Nobby’s Beach at 8am to Sacred Heart Cathedral, culminating in Mass at 10am and a Festival at 11am in the Cathedral precinct grounds.
All corners of the Diocese are encouraged to get involved as we celebrate Pope Francis’ theme - Pilgrims of Hope. For more information, visit www.mn.catholic.org.au/JubileeYear2025
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