The Jubilee is a « favorable time to put reconciliation with God and between ourselves back at the center of our lives », and should be lived « with enthusiasm and participation ».
— Pope Francis-07 July, 2023
Pilgrims of Hope
On Thursday, May 9, the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, Pope Francis officially proclaimed the Ordinary Jubilee of 2025 with the delivery of Spes Non Confundit, the Bull of Indiction for the Holy Year.
The bull suggests several ways to bring Christ and his message of hope to the world. Taking it as our guide, we have to return to the message that the Apostle Paul wished to communicate to the Christians of Rome. First, « Hope is born of love and based on the love springing from the pierced heart of Jesus upon the cross ». But the interplay of hope and patience in our lifes « makes us see clearly that the Christian life is a journey calling for moments of greater intensity to encourage and sustain hope as the constant companion that guides our steps towards the goal of our encounter with the Lord Jesus. » Of course, we know that Pilgrimage is a fundamental element of every Jubilee event… « In addition to finding hope in God’s grace, we are also called to discover hope in the signs of the times that the Lord gives us. » So, « echoing the age-old message of the prophets, the Jubilee reminds us that the goods of the earth are not destined for a privileged few, but for everyone. » The Holy Father concludes by inviting us to be anchored in hope: « The image of the anchor is eloquent; it helps us to recognize the stability and security that is ours amid the troubled waters of this life, provided we entrust ourselves to the Lord Jesus. »
Pope Francis stated in his letter announcing the Jubilee 2025:
« 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. »
Jubilee Events Calendar
Rome: 8 – 9 october 2025
Jubilee of Consecrated Life
Wednesday 8 October
8.00-18.00 Jubilee rites
15.00-17.00 Spiritual and cultural events throughout the city of Rome
18.30-20.00 Prayer Vigil
Thursday 9 October
10.00 Mass with the Holy Father
13.00 Spiritual and cultural events throughout the city of Rome
Resources for the Jubilee Year 2025
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
