Pilgrims of Hope
Learn About Jubilee 2025, “Pilgrims of Hope”
What is a “Jubilee Year” in the Catholic Church?
It is a special time in the Church’s tradition, encouraging holiness through acts of reconciliation, prayer, pilgrimages, and communion with one another. In a world where so many are burdened, the Jubilee promotes Christ as a source of hope. A Jubilee takes place once every 25 years.
What are the official dates of the Jubilee?
December 29, 2024-December 28, 2025.
What does the Jubilee theme “Pilgrims of Hope” mean?
Pope Francis said, "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." -Papal letter, February 2022
What does the logo represent?
The logo depicts four stylized figures representing humanity, united in solidarity and embracing the cross as a symbol of faith and hope. Rough waves beneath them signify life's challenges, while the cross extends downward, forming an anchor—a universal sign of hope and stability during life’s storms. The motto "Peregrinantes in Spem" (Latin for “Pilgrims in Hope”) highlights the communal and dynamic nature of the journey toward hope and faith.
How did the Pope kick off the Jubilee?
On December 24, 2024, Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome, inaugurating the Jubilee year, a historic event that takes places every 25 years in the Catholic Church. Traditionally, a holy door was a symbol of the completion of a pilgrimage and that’s why Pope Francis chose to kick off the Jubilee with this symbolic act.
What role do pilgrimages play in the Jubilee?
Thirty-five million visitors are expected in Rome for the Jubilee, but locally each bishop will designate sacred places as “special locations of prayer.” In the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, they are: (1) the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains in Cincinnati, (2) Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics in Maria Stein, and (3) Emmanuel Church in Dayton. Visit their websites to learn more about visiting.
What is 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
Where can I find more information?
The websites of the Vatican, Catholic Conference of Bishops, and the Archdiocese of Cincinnati all have more information and resources (linked below).
How can I participate in the Jubilee?
- Participate in Eucharistic Adoration
- Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation
- Plan a visit to one of the sacred sites designated by Archbishop Schnurr
- Participate in a faith formation program such as 33 Days to Eucharistic Glory
What is a plenary indulgence?
In very simple terms a plenary indulgence is a remission before God of punishment from having committed temporal sin. For Jubilee 2025, Pope Francis has outlined details about the conditions for gaining a plenary indulgence, which include pilgrimages, visits to sacred places, and works of mercy and penance. The full details can be found here.
"Life is often a desert, it is difficult to walk, but if we trust in God, it can become beautiful and wide as a highway. Never lose hope; continue to believe, always, in spite of everything. Hope opens new horizons, making us capable of dreaming what is not even imaginable."
—Pope Francis
The information on this page was compiled from the websites of the Catholic Conference of Bishops, the Holy See, and the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.