A Jubilee Year is a special, holy period in the life of the Catholic Church, rooted deeply in the biblical tradition. The concept traces its origins to the Old Testament, where the Book of Leviticus (Chapter 25) describes a year of jubilation, celebrated every 50 years, as a time of liberation and renewal for the people of Israel. During the original Jewish observance, the Jubilee Year called for the forgiveness of debts, the freeing of slaves, and the return of ancestral lands, symbolizing a fresh start for the entire community in gratitude to God’s providence. This tradition inspired the Catholic Church to adapt the practice as a time of profound spiritual grace, reflection, and renewal, typically marked now every 25 years with extraordinary years inbetween.

A Jubilee Year is characterized by an invitation for all Catholics to deepen their relationship with God through acts of penance, pilgrimage, prayer, and the pursuit of holiness. The Church opens special “Holy Doors” in major basilicas around the world, offering pilgrims opportunities to seek plenary indulgences by crossing through these doors with sincere faith and contrition. The Jubilee also calls on the faithful to engage in works of mercy—both spiritual and corporal—extending God’s love to those in need, the marginalized, and the suffering.

The celebration of a Jubilee Year emphasizes key themes such as reconciliation, conversion, hope, and the overflowing mercy of God. It is a reminder that the Church is a beacon of hope and healing in a broken world. The Jubilee Year of Hope, in particular, invites each of us to be transformed by God’s mercy and to carry the light of Christ into every corner of our lives. It is a time to reflect on the hope that comes from Christ’s saving love and to become living witnesses of His mercy and compassion in our homes, workplaces, and communities. Through prayer, service, and renewal, we are called to make God’s hope manifest in the world, inspiring those around us to draw closer to His loving embrace.

A Jubilee Year is marked by several profound characteristics, each serving as an invitation to draw closer to God and embrace spiritual renewal. Pilgrimages hold special significance during this time, as the faithful journey to sacred sites—often crossing through Holy Doors designated in major basilicas and churches—which symbolize a path to reconciliation and divine grace. Holy Doors, opened only during a Jubilee, represent Christ as the “door” to salvation and encourage all who enter to seek spiritual renewal. Reconciliation, or the Sacrament of Confession, is emphasized, providing a unique opportunity to experience God’s boundless mercy through the forgiveness of sins. Prayer and Liturgy are central, with increased opportunities for Mass, Eucharistic adoration, and communal prayers, allowing the faithful to deepen their relationship with God. The public Profession of Faith often takes place, reaffirming one’s commitment to Christ and the teachings of the Church. Finally, indulgences are offered to those who meet the necessary conditions, such as receiving the sacraments and performing acts of charity, as a way to receive God’s grace and make amends for the temporal consequences of sin. Together, these practices inspire spiritual growth, foster community, and bring the Church closer to the heart of Christ’s mission of mercy and hope.