A Jubilee Year is traditionally proclaimed by the Universal Church every 25 years. It is a particular year set aside to encourage the faithful to embark on pilgrimages, to repent of their sins and forgive the sins of others, and to renew a focus on the spiritual life.

In the Hebrew tradition, as recorded in Leviticus, a Jubilee was celebrated every 50 years with the freeing of slaves and the forgiveness of debts. In 1300, Pope Boniface VIII instituted the first Christian Jubilee, and since then the Church has designated each new Jubilee as a special year of grace and forgiveness, offering the faithful an opportunity to obtain a plenary indulgence.
As boldly stated in the opening words of Pope Francis’ Bull of Indiction, “Spes non confundit. Hope does not disappoint,” hope is the unifying theme of the Ordinary Jubilee of 2025. The Jubilee Year began with the traditional opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica on December 24, 2024 by Pope Francis and continues until the closing of the Holy Door on January 6, 2026, the solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord.

The 2025 Jubilee is centered 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.” During the Jubilee Year, the Pope invites every one of us to embark on a pilgrimage of hope, so that, “Through our witness, may hope spread to all those who anxiously seek it.”

This Year of Jubilee officially began on Christmas Eve with the opening of the Holy Door in St Peter’s Basilica. Holy Doors are one of the most characteristic signs of the Jubilee, inviting pilgrims to walk through as a reminder of this text from John 10:9-10: “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pastures.” It is an invitation to express our desire to follow Christ, the Good Shepherd.

Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Salford, John Arnold has appointed the Schoenstatt Shrine at St John Fischer, Kearsely as one of the six churches across the Diocese, in addition to the Cathedral’s temporary church, to be Designated Churches for the Jubilee Year. Pilgrims who visit the Shrine of the Mother thrice admirable during the jubilee year can obtain among others the Plenary indulgence also known as the jubilee indulgence.

Individuals, families, groups are encouraged to make a pilgrimage to the shrine of the Mother thrice admirable queen and victress of Schoenstatt especially during this jubilee year. It’s an amazing opportunity to spend time with the mother of God and unburden our fears and aspirations and then draw strength, faith and how to face the the world, change the world through Christ who strengthens us.

Do you intend to plan a group pilgrimage? Kindly contact Fr Bryan at 01204572077. You can also reach him via mail at fr.bryan@schoenstatt.org.uk
