For many, the understanding of a Jubilee Year is not always clear, so I thought to highlight some key points about what a Jubilee Year is and what it means for the Catholic faithful.
A Jubilee Year in the Catholic Church occurs every 25 years. It represents a year of celebration, renewal, and special graces for all the faithful. People are invited to come back into right relationship with God, with one another, and with all creation.
The Jubilee Year begins with the opening of the Holy Door at Saint Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, Rome. The last time this occurred was in 2000. This year, the Holy Door will be open from 24 December 2024 to 6 January 2026, after which it will remain closed for another 25 years.
During a Jubilee Year, the Pope may grant Catholics indulgences. This is the act of receiving forgiveness from God for breaking commandments and starting over.
The Vatican in Rome will host numerous events for pilgrims seeking to deepen their faith and start afresh, providing opportunities for grace through prayer, pilgrimage, conversion, sacramental repentance, spiritual renewal, and the forgiveness of sins.
Here are some ways one can obtain indulgences during the 2025 Jubilee Year:
Make a pilgrimage
Catholics who make a pilgrimage to Rome during the 2025 Jubilee Year can obtain a plenary indulgence by visiting at least one of the four major papal basilicas: St. Peter’s Basilica, the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, or St. Paul Outside the Walls.
For pilgrims who cannot travel to Rome, bishops around the world can designate their cathedrals or a popular Catholic shrine as special places of prayer for pilgrims, offering opportunities for reconciliation, indulgences and other events intended to strengthen and revive faith.
Saint Mary MacKillop Chapel and Tomb
If you’re looking to make a pilgrimage during this Jubilee year, close to home, our very own Mary MacKillop Memorial Chapel and tomb at Mary MacKillop Place, North Sydney has been officially designated as a shrine and place of pilgrimage by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference. You can view other Saint Mary MacKillop pilgrimages here.
Perform works of Mercy
Visit prisoners, spend time with the lonely, elderly and sick, Feed the hungry, give hope to others, comforting the sorrowful.
For volunteering opportunities with the Sisters of Saint Joseph, click here and for other volunteering opportunities in Australia, visit the Volunteering Australia website here.
Eucharistic Adoration
A devotional practice where the faithful worship the Blessed Sacrament, or consecrated bread, outside of Mass. A great starting point for finding hope. You may choose to spend time in prayer, meditate on scripture or read the life of a saint, or ask for forgiveness. Conclude with a prayer such as the Our Father.
Jubilee Calendar
Throughout the year, the Holy See will observe celebrations for various groups and ministries, including those in communications, the armed forces, police and security, artists, deacons, teenagers, young people, even marching bands.
A calendar of events in Rome can be observed here.
We frequently encounter individuals who feel disheartened and doubtful about the future, believing that happiness is out of reach. Let this Jubilee Year be a chance to renew our hope. God’s word provides us with the strength and reasons to hold on to that hope.
As Mary MacKillop once said, “Be full of forgiveness, hope, and love.” (26.11.1873)
Embracing these qualities allows us to live with greater compassion, resilience, and faith, offering hope to one another as we continue our journey on this earth, leaving behind meaningful contributions that reflect God’s grace.
Happy Jubilee 2025!
To learn more about Jubilee 2025, you can visit the official website here.
Renate Cassis
Graphic and Digital Designer, Congregational Administration Services