Why the Jubilee? |
Pope Francis has declared 2025 as a Holy Year of Jubilee for the Catholic Church. Established in 1470 by Pope Paul II to occur every 25 years, the Jubilee is a sacred time for transformation through God’s holiness. It invites Catholics worldwide to renew their relationship with God, one another, and creation, celebrating the central Christian theme of hope.
Jubile Year 2025 "Pilgrims of Hope"
The Jubilee Year begins on Dec 24, 2024, with the opening of the Holy Door in Rome. In our Diocese, we will mark this sacred time with an Opening Mass at the Cathedral on Sun, Dec 29, 2024 (Feast of the Holy Family) and conclude on Jan 6, 2026 (Solemnity of Epiphany). Pope Francis has dedicated this Jubilee to “Pilgrims of Hope.” Rooted in baptism, we are nourished by Christ, guided by the Spirit, and called to journey in hope—trusting in God’s grace and longing for eternal life. Vertical Divider
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Let us even now be drawn to this hope! Through our witness, may hope spread to all those who anxiously seek it. May the way we live our lives say to them in so many words: ‘Hope in the Lord! Hold firm, take heart and hope in the Lord!’ (Ps 27:14). ~Pope Francis, Spes non confundit, 2024.
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How do I participate in the Jubilee Year of Hope?
The Ordinary Jubilee of 2025 offers an opportunity for all to embark on a pilgrimage of hope—whether locally in our dioceses, cathedral or shrine, or Canada’s National Shrines, or by journeying to Rome. Over the coming months, there will be plenty of opportunities and resources to help you observe this special year of grace in our diocese. See below on how you can take part of the Jubilee Year of Hope
Jubilee events in our Diocese
December 2024
January 2025
May 2025
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June 2025
August 2025
September 2025
October 2025
November 2025
December 2025
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Pilgrimage sites
As part of the Jubilee 2025 celebration, Catholics are invited to embark on a pilgrimage of hope—a journey of prayer, reflection, and renewal. While many may feel called to make a pilgrimage to Rome and pass through the Holy Door at one of the four major basilicas, you are also encouraged to explore sacred destinations closer to home.
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Pilgrimage destinations during the Jubilee 2025
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Jubilee Indulgence
During the Ordinary Jubilee of 2025, all the faithful will be able to obtain from the treasury of the Church a plenary indulgence, with remission and forgiveness of all their sins.
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In a special way "during the Holy Year, we are called to be tangible signs of hope for those of our brothers and sisters who experience hardships of any kind" ~Spes non confundit, #10. |
Prayers, Reconciliation, and Adoration
The Jubilee Year includes special celebrations, pilgrimages, calls for conversion and repentance, and opportunities to encounter God’s grace through the sacraments, especially confession.
During this time, we encourage you to deepen your faith through prayer, experience God’s mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and spend time in Eucharistic adoration. |
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Living the Works of Mercy
During the Jubilee Year of 2025, Catholics are invited to practice the Works of Mercy—acts of compassion and service that reflect God’s love and grace. In our diocese, there are many ways to get involved, including:
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The Corporal Works of Mercy—feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, caring for the sick, visiting the imprisoned, and more—invite us to serve Christ in others, offering practical support and sharing God’s love in tangible ways.
Stay tuned for more opportunities and resources to help you live out the Works of Mercy during this year of grace and renewal. |