Fully embrace the Jubilee year 2025, strengthening your faith and family life
These essential practices will help make the Jubilee Year 2025 a time to deepen your faith and strengthen your family bonds.
As we embark on 2025, we’re not simply beginning another year; we’re stepping into a profound moment of grace and renewal. This Jubilee Year, themed around hope, invites us to celebrate, reflect, and reconnect—drawing closer to God, our loved ones, and our greater community. It’s also a milestone as we conclude the first quarter of the 21st century, presenting both challenges and opportunities to embrace with faith, purpose, and optimism for the road ahead.
1. Go on a Pilgrimage to a Jubilee Site
- The Vatican will be a key destination during the Jubilee Year, but many dioceses around the world will also designate local pilgrimage sites. Plan a family pilgrimage to one of these holy places.
- Reflect on the theme of hope and pray for your intentions as well as for the Church and the world.
2. Participate in the Opening of the Holy Door
- The Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and others at major basilicas will be opened as a symbol of God’s mercy. Passing through the Holy Door represents leaving behind sin and stepping into God’s grace.
- If you can’t travel to Rome, look for local opportunities where similar rituals may be held.
3. Embrace the Sacraments
- Deepen your connection to God by participating more fully in the sacramental life of the Church.
- Frequent Confession: Experience God’s forgiveness and grace, leaving behind the burdens of the past.
- Daily Mass or Adoration: Strengthen your faith through regular reception of the Eucharist and time in prayer.
4. Perform Acts of Mercy
- Focus on both corporal and spiritual works of mercy, such as feeding the hungry, visiting the sick, forgiving offenses, and comforting the sorrowful.
- Encourage your family to get involved in community service projects to extend hope and kindness to others.
5. Dedicate Time to Family Prayer
- Create a special prayer routine for the Jubilee Year, incorporating the Jubilee Prayer (to be provided by the Vatican) or the Rosary.
- Pray for the Church, the world, and the future generations as you embrace the theme of hope together.
6. Attend Special Jubilee Celebrations
- Dioceses and parishes will host events like retreats, conferences, concerts, and prayer vigils. Make it a priority to participate in these community moments of faith and celebration.
7. Practice Detachment and Gratitude
- Reflect on the material possessions and distractions in your life. Use this year as an opportunity to practice simplicity and gratitude for God’s blessings.
- Consider fasting or giving alms to support charitable causes.
8. Strengthen Your Faith Through Study
- Study the Bible, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and writings on the theme of hope.
- Read papal documents about the Jubilee Year or learn more about the Church’s history with jubilees.
9. Reconnect with Lapsed Catholics
- This Jubilee Year can be a time to invite friends and family members who have drifted from the faith to return to the Church.
- Share the message of hope and renewal with them, and offer to accompany them on their journey.
10. Plan a Family Jubilee Retreat
- Dedicate time for a family retreat, focusing on prayer, reflection, and discussions about hope and the future.
- Reflect on God’s blessings in your lives and how your family can grow together in faith.
11. Share the Jubilee Spirit
- Use social media to share your faith journey during the Jubilee Year. Post reflections, Bible verses, or acts of mercy to inspire others.
- Encourage others to embrace hope and deepen their faith through personal testimony.
12. Pray for the World’s Challenges
- The first quarter of the 21st century has been marked by challenges like climate change, conflicts, and inequality. Offer prayers for healing, peace, and hope for the future.
- Advocate for justice and care for creation, reflecting the Church’s call to stewardship.
13. Create a Jubilee Year Family Tradition
- Make the Jubilee Year a memorable time for your family by establishing a tradition that reflects the theme of hope, such as planting a tree, creating a gratitude journal, or celebrating a monthly family Mass.