Understand the word ‘Jubilee’
‘Jubilee’ is the name given to a particular year. The name comes from the instrument used to mark its launch. In this case, the instrument in question is the yobel, the ram’s horn, used to proclaim the Day of Atonement. This (Jewish) holiday occurs every year but takes on special significance when it marks the beginning of a Jubilee year. We can find an early indication of it in the Bible: A Jubilee year was to be marked every 50 years since this would be an “extra” year, one which would happen every seven weeks of seven years, i.e., every 49 years (cf. Leviticus 25:8-13). It was intended to be marked as a time to re-establish a proper relationship with God, one another, and all of creation. It involved the forgiveness of debts, the return of misappropriated land, and a fallow period for the fields.
Jubilee, the mark of a Holy Year.
In 1300, Pope Boniface VIII called the first Jubilee, also known as a “Holy Year,” since it is a time in which God’s holiness transforms us. The frequency of Holy Years has changed over time: at first, they were celebrated every 100 years; later, in 1343 Pope Clement VI reduced the gap between Jubilees to every 50 years, and in 1470 Pope Paul II made it every 25 years. There have also been “extraordinary” Holy Years: for example, in 1933 Pope Pius XI chose to commemorate the 1900th anniversary of the Redemption, and in 2015 Pope Francis proclaimed the Year of Mercy as an extraordinary jubilee. How Jubilee Years are marked has also changed through the centuries: originally the Holy Year consisted of a pilgrimage to the Roman Basilicas of St. Peter and St. Paul, later other signs were added, such as the Holy Door. By participating in the Holy Year, one is granted a plenary indulgence.
The Theme: “Pilgrims of Hope”
The 2025 Jubilee will be centred on the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” As His Holiness Pope Francis so beautifully expressed it: “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 Jubilee begins on December 24, 2024, with the official Opening of the Holy Door of Saint Peter’s Basilica, and runs to January 6, 2026, the Feast Day of Epiphany, with the Closing of the Holy Door.
The theme of “Pilgrims of Hope” is a call to embrace hope as a central principle in life. It’s based on the idea that hope is a gift from God that allows people to work together to improve the world. Here are some reflections on the theme of “Pilgrims of Hope”:
A journey to discover God’s love: A Christian pilgrimage is a journey to discover God’s love and oneself, while also building relationships with others.
A journey to a better future: A pilgrimage is a journey towards a better future, where people can live in peace, justice, and love.
A journey to recognize God’s presence: A pilgrimage is a journey to recognize God’s presence in the world and in our lives.
A journey to be part of the community: A pilgrimage is a journey to be part of the community in the making.
A journey to welcome others’ hopes: A pilgrimage is a journey to welcome and listen to the hopes of others.
A journey to define oneself: A pilgrimage is a journey to define oneself and be aware of who one is on the journey.
A journey to embody the Gospel message: A pilgrimage is a journey to embody and communicate the Gospel message of hope.
We are pilgrims because we have been called, called to love God and to love one another. Our pilgrimage on this earth is far from a pointless journey or aimless wandering; on the contrary, each day, by responding to God’s call, we try to take every step needed to advance towards a new world where people can live in peace, justice and love. We are pilgrims of hope because we are pressing forward towards a better future, committed at every step to bringing it about. Let the Jubilee year, bring hope to the dying creation.
Fr Josely Rocha