Holy Year Jubilee: Pilgrims of Hope
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord,” (Luke 4:18-19; cf. Isaiah 61:1-2)
What is the Jubilee Year?
Jubilees are rooted in Jewish tradition as a time to re-establish one’s relationship with God and neighbor. They also included freedom for slaves, restoration of one’s land, and forgiveness of debts. Over the centuries, previous Holy Fathers have proclaimed Jubilee Years for the Church so that the faithful may be transformed by God’s love and mercy. In modern times, Jubilees occur every 25 years. Our Holy Father Pope Francis has declared this year’s theme will be “Pilgrims of Hope.” We are pilgrims because we know that this life is merely the journey to our final destination, eternal fulfillment with our Lord. We have hope because God, in His infinite love, has planned for us to grow ever closer to Him. Let us joyfully journey home this year and always.
A Message from Bishop Burbige:
Also read Bishop Burbidge’s Letter on the Holy Year (En Español)
Celebrate the Jubilee
Find Diocesan Events here.
Diocese of Arlington Opening Mass for the Holy Year 2025
St. Thomas More Cathedral - January 5, 2025 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
What are the Holy Doors?
Catholics traditionally celebrated Jubilees by making a pilgrimage to the Basilicas of St. Peter and St. Paul in Rome. From this grew the veneration of the Holy Doors, the principal entrance to the Church. Entering the Doors symbolizes the completion of the pilgrim’s physical journey to the Church and spiritual journey to intimate relationship with God. In order to facilitate active participation of our Diocese in the Jubilee Year, Bishop Burbidge has declared eight Holy Year Sites. The faithful who visit these sites can receive a plenary indulgence provided the proper conditions are met.
The Basilica of St. Mary, Alexandria
Our Lady of Hope, Potomac Falls
St. John the Evangelist, Warrenton
St. Patrick, Fredericksburg
Cathedral of St. Thomas More, Arlington
Corpus Christi, Aldie
St. John Bosco, Woodstock
St. Paul Mission, Hague
Learn about indulgences here.