Happy New Year! Every new year provides us with an opportunity for a fresh start. We reflect on where we have been, look forward to where we want to be, and make plans on how to get there. For adults, it might be eating healthier or getting more exercise; for children it could be reading more or spending less time on devices. It’s good practice for everyone to set goals to improve.
This year is especially significant because it is a Jubilee Year: a time to not only re-establish a connection with God, but also with one another. It has its origins in the Old Testament, when God told Moses that every 50 years land was to be restored to the original owners, slaves were to be released, and debts forgiven.
This tradition continued in the Christian church as well. Beginning in A.D. 1300, Pope Boniface VIII initiated the first Christian Jubilee. It was initially celebrated every 100 years, and then shortened to 50 and then 25 years. An extraordinary Jubilee, named a Year of Mercy, was also declared by Pope Francis in 2015, which marked the 50th anniversary of the end of the Second Vatican Council.
Jubilee 2025 has been proclaimed by Pope Francis as the Year of Hope. “The coming Jubilee will thus be a Holy Year marked by the hope that does not fade, our hope in God. May it help us to recover the confident trust that we require, in the Church and in society, in our interpersonal relationships, in international relations, and in our task of promoting the dignity of all persons and respect for God’s gift of creation.” (Pope Francis, Spes Non Confundit 25).
Jubilee 2025 began on Christmas Eve when Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, and will continue following the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord on January 6, 2026, when the Holy Door will be closed. There are many ways that we can actively participate in this special year.
By making a pilgrimage to one of the four major basilicas in Rome, to the Holy Land, or to local diocesan Cathedrals or other officially designated locations
Participate in Eucharistic adoration and meditation
Perform Spiritual or Corporal Works of Mercy, or works of penance
At St. Michael’s School, we will kick off our Jubilee Year during Catholic Schools Week, the last week in January, by re-creating the Holy Door in Rome at the Holy Family Center. One of our priests will ceremoniously open the doors to the HFC, where we will hold a prayer service, and an explanation of this special year. We will conclude with Adoration. We will also participate in a variety of Works of Mercy throughout this Year of Hope. You are invited to join us in this most special event.
In Mission, Kathy