“Jubilee” is the name given to a particular year; the name comes from the instrument used to mark its launch. In this case, the instrument in question is the yobel, the ram’s horn, used to proclaim the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). This (Jewish) holiday occurs every year, but it takes on special significance when it marks the beginning of a Jubilee year. We can find an early indication of it in the Bible: a Jubilee year was to be marked every 50 years, since this would be an “extra” year, one which would happen every seven weeks of seven years, i.e., every 49 years (cf. Leviticus 25:8-13). Even though it wasn’t easy to organise, it was intended to be marked as a time to re-establish a proper relationship with God, with one another, and with all of creation, and involved the forgiveness of debts, the return of misappropriated land, and a fallow period for the fields. Read more about the Jubilee here.
St. James Cathedral, The Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe, and Basilica of Saint Paul have been designated as a Jubilee pilgrimage site. The Vatican has outlined the requirements for obtaining plenary indulgences —which remove temporal punishment for sin through Christ’s merits —during the 2025 Jubilee Year.
REQUIREMENTS FOR A PLENARY INDULGENCE
- Detachment from sin (even venial sin).
- Sacramental Confession within about 20 days before or after the indulgenced act.
- Holy Communion (separately for each indulgence).
Prayer for the Pope’s intentions, such as an Our Father and Hail Mary. Note: Only one plenary indulgence can be obtained per day. A second indulgence may be obtained if applied to souls in purgatory.
WAYS TO OBTAIN THE JUBILEE INDULGENCE:
Pilgrimages: Visit a site designated by your local bishop for Jubilee pilgrimages.
Spend time in Eucharistic adoration at a pilgrimage site. Conclude with the Our Father. a Profession of
Faith, and Prayers to Mary.
Spiritual Pilgrimages: For those unable to travel due to serious reasons (e.g., elderly, sick, prisoners, caregivers): Unite spiritually with pilgrims. Recite the Our Father and Creed. Offer your sufferings or daily hardships.
OTHER ACTS FOR INDULGENCES
- Attend a study on VaticanII documents or the Catechism.
- Spend time with the sick, prisoners, or the lonely elderly.
- Abstain from distractions (real or online) or excessive consumption for a day.
- Support efforts to protect life at all stages.
- Volunteer with groups assisting children, youth, the elderly, or migrants.
- Attend a service where your bishop imparts the “papal blessing.”
APP
