The Jubilee Year of Hope: A Guide for Catholic Catechists and Families

The Significance of Jubilee Years

What exactly is a Jubilee Year, and why is it significant for Catholic catechists, families, and individuals?

The Jubilee Year comes from ancient traditions rooted in the Old Testament and passed on through the Catholic Church over generations. The term "Jubilee" comes from the Hebrew word yobel, which refers to the ram’s horn that was blown to announce the start of the year, signifying a time of renewal. In the Bible, the Jubilee was a special year that occurred every 50th year. The Jubilee year ushered in a time where Israelites were to conduct acts of mercy and grace, such as forgiving outstanding debts and freeing slaves. The Jubilee year would restore balance to the land, create an opportunity for equity and justice, and invite the people to a fresh start that would benefit individuals, families, and communities.

The concept of the Jubilee was revitalized by the Church in the 14th century and has since become a periodic event in the Church’s calendar, typically occurring every 25 or 50 years. The Jubilee year is marked by celebrations, pilgrimages, acts of penance, and a focus on mercy and reconciliation.

A special Holy Year or Jubilee Year is declared by the pope. During a Jubilee year, the Church is called to renew their relationship with God through prayers, penance, and acts of mercy. Pilgrimages to holy sites are encouraged, and indulgences, or the remission of temporal punishment due to sin, are granted to those who participate in the spiritual practices of the year.

The 2025 Jubilee

What can Catholics expect from the upcoming Jubilee Year?

Pope Francis has designated the upcoming Jubilee year, beginning on December 24, 2024, and lasting until January 6, 2026, with the theme, “Pilgrims of Hope.” This year is a response to the world’s need for restorative peace and healing. In his message, Pope Francis emphasized that the world is suffering from crises that have compounded division and conflict, and that the Jubilee year of hope is an invitation for the Church and the world to embrace God's love, mercy, and compassion.

The Pope’s focus on hope resonates deeply with individuals and communities around the globe who face struggles and conflicts. The Jubilee offers an opportunity for Catholics to turn to Christ with trust and confidence, knowing that God can heal even the deepest wounds.

Jubilee 2025 Mini Magazine

Help children learn about and take part in the spirit of the Jubilee with a colorful, printable mini magazine including history, a prayer, and activities for children to share in the parish, school, or home.

Pope Francis’ Vision for the Jubilee Year of Hope

In his official message for the 2025 Jubilee, Pope Francis highlighted several themes that will guide the Church's focus during this holy year. These themes reflect both a return to the core of the Gospel message and a response to the needs of the present moment:

Hope as a Response to Crisis

Pope Francis has spoken extensively about the crisis of hope facing much of the modern world. He has recognized the struggles of families, the poor, the marginalized, and all those who suffer from war, poverty, and despair. The Jubilee is an invitation to all people to turn toward the hope that Christ offers.

“In a world marked by war, suffering, and social divisions, hope is the antidote that heals and unites us.” – Pope Francis

Hope is not merely a vague wish or optimism, but a firm trust in God's promises and a confident expectation that he will fulfill his plan for salvation. Pope Francis reminds us that Jesus is the ultimate source of our hope, and his Jubilee message reminds us to deepen our trust in him, especially in times of darkness and uncertainty.

Mercy and Reconciliation

The Jubilee year is traditionally a time for reconciliation and the extension of mercy. Pope Francis has advocated for the need of mercy throughout the world, and he invites the faithful to participate in the works of mercy during this holy year.

“The hope we celebrate is the hope that leads us to reach out to others, to forgive, to reconcile, to heal broken relationships, and to create bonds of peace and fraternity.” – Pope Francis

This invitation to mercy is a call to restore broken relationships with God and with others. Catechists and families can help children and adults experience this grace by emphasizing the importance of forgiveness, restoration, and showing grace and kindness to those in need. Participating in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, engaging in acts of charity, and offering hospitality are powerful ways to live out the theme of mercy.

Hope for the Family

Pope Francis has consistently emphasized the importance of the family in the life of the Church and the world. During the Jubilee, he calls on families to be beacons of hope, where love, forgiveness, and unity flourish.

“The family is the place where hope is cultivated, where love is shared, where mercy is lived, and where reconciliation takes place.”

Families can celebrate the Jubilee year by coming together in prayer, nurturing their relationships, and being open to reconciliation when conflicts arise. It is a chance for families to deepen their commitment to living out the Gospel values of love and mercy in their daily lives.

Pilgrimage of Hope Family Kit

Your family guide to creating lasting memories centered on Catholic traditions, prayer, and service during a physical or virtual pilgrimage during the Jubilee Year.

Hope and the Poor

The Pope has always placed a particular emphasis on the preferential option for the poor. In this Jubilee year of hope, he calls the Church to stand in solidarity with the poor, the oppressed, and those suffering from economic hardship.

“Hope is not just a theological virtue, it is a social one as well. We are called to live with and for the poor, sharing their burdens, and offering them the hope of a better world.”– Pope Francis

The Jubilee invites the faithful to actively engage in social justice, charity, and advocacy for those who are marginalized. Catechists and families can teach children about the dignity of the poor and help them participate in charitable works like food drives, visiting the elderly, or supporting causes that promote social justice.

Celebrating the Jubilee Year of Hope with Catholic Kids and Families

The Jubilee Year offers unique opportunities for kids, families, and catechists to deepen their faith and actively participate in the grace of this special year. Here are some ideas for how families can engage with the Jubilee Year:

Daily Prayer and Reflection

Start each day with a prayer that focuses on the themes of hope, mercy, and reconciliation. Families can read short Scripture passages from the Psalms or the Gospels that speak to the promises of God’s hope, like Isaiah 40:31 or Romans 15:13. Catechists and students can begin classes with prayers that reflect these special themes. Reflect together as a family or a class on the ways God is calling you to bring hope to others.

Acts of Mercy and Kindness

Throughout the year, families can take part in the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. Visit the sick, feed the hungry, comfort the sorrowful, and forgive those who have hurt you. Children can engage in service projects or help out at local charities. This is a tangible way to embody the mercy of the Jubilee year.

Participate in Pilgrimages

Encourage families to make a pilgrimage to a nearby shrine, basilica, or holy site. Pilgrimages are an important tradition during Jubilee years, and they offer a unique opportunity for reflection and prayer. A pilgrimage can be a day trip or a longer journey, depending on your family’s resources and time.

Celebrating the Sacraments

Take advantage of the graces offered during the Jubilee Year of Hope, particularly the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. The sacrament is a means of personal renewal, and it is especially relevant during a year focused on mercy. Encourage children and adults to go to confession regularly during the year.

Family Retreats and Catechetical Events

Catechists can organize special family retreats, prayer services, or educational programs that focus on the themes of the Jubilee year. These events can serve as opportunities for spiritual growth, offering families a deeper understanding of God's love, mercy, and the hope we find in Christ.

In Summary

The Jubilee Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope is a time to reflect on the profound gifts of grace, mercy, and hope that God offers us, especially through the birth of Christ. It is an opportunity for Catholics to respond to the world’s challenges with trust in God's plan, to heal broken relationships, and to live with a renewed commitment to justice, peace, and mercy.