- What is the Holy Year?
As early as the Old Testament, we find indicated periods that are moments of thanksgiving for God’s action and love for his people: a JUBILEE.
It takes place in the Church every 25 years. The Pope opens it with a special official text, known as the BULLETIN OF INDICTION. This is what Pope Francis did on May 9, 2024, the Solemnity of the Ascension.
The theme of this jubilee year will focus on HOPE, starting with this verse from the epistle to the Romans: “Hope does not disappoint” (Romans 5:5).
1st: During this Holy Year, we’re invited to rediscover the meaning of pilgrimage the meaning of pilgrimage and commitment to all There are many shrines close to home, including our own. This hope will be reflected in an intense movement of prayer and action for peace. “The Jubilee must remind us that those who become peacemakers can be called sons of God”. (Mt 5:9).
It must also encourage, by every means possible, openness to life with responsible motherhood and fatherhood. The Jubilee Year also calls us to be signs of hope for all those in distress: prisoners, the sick, migrants, the elderly, and to care for young people, students, engaged couples, the younger generations. “Closeness to young people, joy and hope for the Church and the world”.
Following the prophets’ powerful cry, the Jubilee reminds us that the Earth’s goods are not for the privileged few, but for all. There is always more to be done to combat all forms of poverty.
2nd: During this Jubilee, the Church will celebrate the 1700 years since the first great ecumenical Council of Nicaeain 325, where some 300 bishops defined the divinity of Jesus Christ and his equality with the Father, at a time when many heresies flourished. This Council is a milestone in the history of the Church.
Anchored in the hope of resurrection and eternal life (1 Cor 15:3-5), the Jubilee will give us the opportunity to rediscover with immense gratitude the gift of this new life received in BAPTISM. This hope is also enlivened in us by the life offered by so many martyrs.
By indulgence we draw from the very source of Divine Mercy.
3rd: Finally, the Holy Year will invite us to turn to the Mother of Hopefor hope finds its greatest witness in the Mother of God. This hope is a solid anchor: “The storms will never prevail, because we are anchored in the hope of grace, which is capable of making us live in Christ, triumphing over sin, fear and death. “Let us allow ourselves to be drawn to hope today, and let it become contagious through us, for those who desire it. May our lives say to them: “Hope in the Lord, be strong and take courage; hope in the Lord”. (Ps 27:14) Pope Francis.
