The Holy Father has declared that 2025 is a Jubilee Year, in keeping with tradition that such a year is held every 25 years in the Universal Church.
The theme for this year’s jubilee is Pilgrims of Hope. In the past, cathedrals and holy places would be given the privilege of a Holy Door through which pilgrims could pass and obtain an indulgence. This year, Holy Doors have been opened only in Rome. Elsewhere Sacred Jubilee Sites have been declared.
In our Diocese, the Jubilee sites are:
- The Cathedral of St John the Baptist and,
- The Catholic National Shrine or Our Lady at Walsingham.
What is a Jubilee Indulgence?
The Jubilee Indulgence is a gift of grace granted by the Church. An indulgence involves the remission of all temporal punishment due to sin for those who are:
- Truly repentant and free from attachment to sin.
- Purified through the Sacrament of Penance.
- Nourished by Holy Communion.
- Praying for the Pope’s intentions.
Meet the General Conditions
Before completing any of the specific actions to obtain the Jubilee Indulgence, ensure that you meet these general conditions:
- Go to Confession to be purified of your sins.
- Receive Holy Communion with reverence.
- Pray for the intentions of the Holy Father (these prayers may include one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and a Glory Be, but any prayer for the Pope’s intentions suffices).
These conditions must be fulfilled within 20 days before or after completing the indulgenced act.
For more information about a Jubilee Year and specifically about indulgenced acts, please see the information boards at the West end of the Cathedral. Jubilee Companion Booklets are available to purchase from the shop.
