This year, the Catholic Church is celebrating a Jubilee Year, a sacred time of renewal and spiritual growth. Pope Francis has chosen the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” calling the faithful to embrace hope amid today’s challenges.
What is the Jubilee Year?
The concept of a Jubilee traces its roots to the Old Testament, where it was a time of renewal, restoration, and liberation (Leviticus 25:10). In the Catholic tradition, a Jubilee Year is a special year of grace and invitation to deepen one’s faith, marked by pilgrimages and celebrations.
Jubilee Years occur every 25 years, with Extraordinary Jubilee Years proclaimed outside this cycle to emphasise urgent themes, such as the recent Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy (2015-2016). The Great Jubilee of 2000, proclaimed by Pope John Paul II, marked the beginning of the third millennium with the theme “Christ Yesterday, Today, Forever,” highlighting Christ’s central role in salvation history. These Jubilees were significant moments of faith and renewal for the Church.
Diocese of Parramatta pilgrims pose for a photo during their World Youth Day pilgrimage in Lisbon, Portugal. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Now, the Jubilee of 2025, with the theme “Pilgrims of Hope”, invites Catholics to embrace hope amid contemporary challenges and journey in faith, service, and communion as a testament to Christ’s enduring presence in the world.
Amid global crises, conflicts, and divisions, the Vatican has described this Jubilee as a time to renew our faith, rediscover our purpose, and journey together towards Christ, who is the source of true hope (Romans 15:13). The Holy Father’s vision is to encourage all Catholics to embark on a pilgrimage – not just to physical sites but also in their spiritual lives – by walking together in faith, service, and communion.
Holy Doors, symbols of God’s mercy, traditionally open in Rome’s four major basilicas. In a historic move, for this year’s Jubilee, Pope Francis has opened an additional Holy Door in a prison, emphasising that God’s mercy is available to all, regardless of circumstances.
“In the heart of each person, hope dwells as the desire and expectation of good things to come, despite our not knowing what the future may bring.” – Pope Francis
What is the Diocese Doing Locally? The Diocese of Parramatta is embracing the Jubilee Year 2025 with local initiatives, inviting the faithful to engage in pilgrimages, celebrations, and service.
Three pilgrimage sites have been established within the diocese, offering places of prayer, reflection, and renewal.
- The Franciscan Shrine of the Holy Innocents, Kellyville
- St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta
- Mount Schoenstatt Shrine, Mulgoa
A Jubilee Indulgence is granted to those who make a Jubilee pilgrimage during the year. Those who cannot make a jubilee pilgrimage due to illness or other circumstances are invited to take part by offering up the sufferings of their daily lives, and participating in reconciliation, prayer, and the Eucharistic celebration.
The diocese will also mark several special Jubilees in parallel with celebrations in Rome. On Sunday 2 February, the Diocese had its first local. Jubilee celebration with a Mass for Consecrated Life on the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus to the Temple.
(L-R) Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary, Sr Rebecca, Sr Rita and Sr Olivia with Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta at the Mass for Consecrated Life on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, 2 February 2025. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
Special Masses and gatherings will honour Eastern Churches (14 May), families (30 May-1 June), and health care workers (18 July).
Pilgrimage to Rome
For those looking to experience the Jubilee Year in a profound way, the Diocese of Parramatta is offering two pilgrimages to Rome. These journeys provide pilgrims with the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of saints throughout Europe, visit the Holy Doors of the basilicas, and experience the universality of the Church.
- Young Adult Pilgrimage (Ages 18-35) – 19 July to 5 August
- Adult Pilgrimage (Ages 35+) – 7 to 25 September
Both pilgrimages will immerse participants in the Holy Father’s message of hope, inspiring renewed faith and a mission to share that hope with others.
May the Church bear faithful witness to [the message of God’s love] in every part of the world!” – Pope Francis
A Call to Hope
The Jubilee Year 2025 invites us all to become Pilgrims of Hope. Through the celebrations, pilgrimages, and acts of service taking place locally and globally, the Diocese of Parramatta calls on the faithful to embrace this sacred time and be bearers of hope in a world that so desperately needs it.
To find out more about pilgrimages within the Diocese of Parramatta and the Jubilee Year, please visit parracatholic.org/jubilee2025.
This article was originally published in the 2025 Lent & Easter | Autumn edition of the Catholic Outlook Magazine. You can read the digital version here or pick up a copy in your local parish.
