Religious Education & Faith Life

2025 - Jubilee Year - Pilgrims of Hope

2025 is a jubilee year, beginning on Christmas Eve 2024 when Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica. A Jubilee Year is a special time in the Catholic Church that happens every 25 years. It's a time where people focus on forgiveness, helping others, and getting closer to God. 

The idea of Jubilee Years comes from the Bible. A long time ago, God told the people of Israel to celebrate a special year every 50 years. During this time, they would forgive debts, free slaves, and let the land rest. The Catholic Church started its own version of this tradition in the year 1300.

During a Jubilee Year, many people go on pilgrimages. A pilgrimage is a special journey to a holy place such as a church or shrine where people pray and feel closer to God. Pilgrimages can be long or short, but the important part is the journey and the prayers you say along the way.

Something unique to a Jubilee Year is the Holy Doors. These are special doors in certain churches that are only opened during a Jubilee Year. Walking through a Holy Door is a symbol of starting fresh and leaving behind your mistakes. 

The Jubilee Year of Hope is all about spreading hope and kindness. It's a time to help others, forgive people who have hurt you, and try to be the best person you can be. It's a reminder that no matter what happens, there's always hope for a better future.