On December 24, 2024 Pope Francis initiated the Year of Jubilee for 2025. It will conclude on January 6, 2026. Here are a few answers to some questions you might have about this special year.
What is a jubilee year?
A jubilee year is a deeply rooted tradition in the Bible. The ancient Israelites celebrated a year of jubilee every fifty years. The jubilee year was marked by three primary actions: 1) the forgiveness of debts, 2) the freeing of slaves, and 3) reverence for the land. To appreciate the significance of these actions:
- Imagine if your car payment, rent or mortgage, or your credit card debt was “forgiven” for an entire year
- Imagine if you were working for “slave wages” and suddenly your wages were increased five-fold! You could begin to regain your financial “freedom.”
- Imagine if sustainable agricultural practices became wide-spread, and we were producing crops not only in a way that respected the earth, but also in a way that produced healthier and more abundant food for human consumption.
In short, the Jubilee year was intended to offer people a fresh start with their lives.
The first Jubilee year in the Roman Catholic Church was instituted by Pope Boniface VIII in 1300. The tradition has been practiced throughout the centuries.
Why the theme “Pilgrims of Hope”?
The theme suggests that this year should be a time for hope in the world in the midst of war, violence, the long term effects of Covid-19, the vast number of refugees all over the world, and the environmental crisis we are experiencing. Pope Francis said:
We must fan the flames of hope that has been given us and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart, and far-sighted vision.
What does the logo mean?
I for one really like the official logo of the Jubilee year. (see the top of the page) It shows 4 pilgrims (from the 4 corners of the world)… each one in different colored clothing (to represent humanity’s diversity)… all in the same boat… embracing and supporting each other… as we sail over the rough waters of our present time. The first pilgrim holds the cross up high. The cross is the great symbol of faith, salvation, love, and Jesus’ enduring presence in our midst. The bottom of the cross morphs into an anchor–an ancient symbol of hope.
What are some of the events being held in Rome during this year?
Throughout the year, there will be gatherings of pilgrims from all over the world. Rome is expecting 25 million pilgrims! There will be gatherings and sessions devoted to specific segments of the Church, such as: the sick and health care workers, journalists, deacons, artists, volunteers, teenagers, police and security personnel, bands and pop music–to name a few. The dates and schedule for these events are listed on the jubilee website. The website is accessible in nine languages. (see below)
Anything else?
There’s a special jubilee hymn which will be our video today. In imitation of the Olympics, the Jubilee year even has a mascot. Her name is Luce (which means light). Notice her walking staff, her hoodie, her sturdy and muddy boots. This little character is ready for some serious “pilgrimage-ing!”
In short, the goal of the Jubilee Year is to foster a sense of hope in a world in desperate need of this vital component of our Christian faith. Here is the address of the Jubilee website:
www.iubilaeum2025.va
I found the website informative, inspiring, and beautiful! Throughout this year you might want to check it out.
Reflection:
Did anything stand out for you concerning the Jubilee Year?
Is your diocese or parish doing anything special to celebrate the jubilee year? If so, could you share that with us below?
What are some of the ways we can (in the words of our Holy Father) “look to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart, and a far-sighted vision”?
Did any of you reflect on the picture of the little shoot emerging from the drain? If so, did you answer the question in the caption? I’d love to hear what you thought!
Announcing my new book!
My new book, Sunflower Seeds of Hope is now available
at Twenty-Third Publications, Amazon, and Living Faith Resources.
I haven’t seen it yet “in person,” but I hope to receive a copy soon.
Note: I dedicated this book to all the readers of my blog. But on the final draft, I made a mistake and didn’t include the dedication. Mea culpa! On future reprints, I hope to correct that mistake!
As I mentioned, an official hymn has been written for the Juiblee year. It is performed here in English by the choir of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.
I invite you to jot down a comment below!
39 Responses
The seed of faith was planted within me as a child. A severe drought came and the seed laid dormant for 40 years as I wandered hopelessly through a desert. My hardened heart was gradually opened overtime much like the pictured drain. God’s word flowed into me through scripture and my seed of faith started growing as pictured. I need to pray, receive the Holy Eucharist, spend time with Jesus in adoration and study scripture for my faith and hope to continue growing. (+repent)
Bonnie, I’m amazed at what you saw in the picture of the seedling emerging from the drain. Thank you for sharing part of your personal journey with us in such a beautiful way! Melannie
Good morning, Sr. Melannie…
Good morning, all…
First, thank you for explaining the full joy of a Jubilee Year! I will definitely check out the website. And, yes, the song is beautiful, Second, congratulations on the new book! Can’t wait to get it, read it, think about its contents, and thank God — again — for Monday mornings!
John, Thank you for all your enthusiastic and wise comments on my blog. I always appreciate your words! Melannie
Thanks for the Jubilee Year reminders. For your photo: Hope is popping up in unexpected places.
God bless!
Kathleen, I love your simple comment on the picture. The key words for me is “unexpected places.” Our God is a God of surprises. Thanks fr reminding us of that fact! Melannie
Thank you for explaining more about the Jubilee year! I too will check out the website-and your new book!
And thank you, Barb, for your enthusiastic response to this reflection! Melannie
As always, your inspiration and information brightens my life,
S. Melannie! Wonderful way to start the week.
HOPE has always been my Anchor. Our license plate is: HAV HOPE.
And that was chosen before
The Jubilee Year of Hope was proclaimed!
May we find Hope in all of
The unexpected places this year!
Many Blessings,
Ann S.
Sr. Melanie, perfect timing as I start back to school this morning! I have great hope for my students! I ask you to pray that I may serve them with all my might and strength to lead them in ways of love, peace, kindness and humility, plus much more. I love the song you shared! Stay safe in the cold and snow up there!
Mary, I sense you must be a good teacher. What sustains us in the classroom is hope for our students–and for the future. I will certainly keep you in prayer for all the beautiful qualities you list, qualities every teacher needs! Melannie
Good morning Sister.
Having been a student of Latin (though by no means a scholar), I immediately typed the web address “jub…”, subsequently remembering – no ” J” in Latin – how often have I seen “INRI” upon the crucifix for more than 84 years. I wish to thank you for the direction and to inform the readers of your blog that your book can be preordered and will be available 1/24/2025. I am hoping it will be available as a Kindle Edition.
God Bless!
Jack, I’m an old Latin student too who learned many, many years ago that there’s no “j” in Latin! Yes, my book can be preodered. It won’t be available until Jan. 24. Even I can’t get copies yet! Thanks for writing! Melannie
What I see in that picture is tenacity….I guess along with hope we need tenacity to bolster our HOPE.
The song is beautiful, indeed!
Thank you S. Melannie for this blog,
Mary
Mary, Yes tenacity can be a good thing! Thanks for reminding us! Melannie
The logo to me is aptly named light. The cross brings light to us all and Luce appears to be a disheveled individual but with the cross becomes one which we have compassion for. Some might say she is cute. It is the cross to me that brings Luce to light.
Brandon, I agree: life can leave us “disheveled” at times. “Perfect order” is not necessarily a virue to strive for!.. I liked your focus on “light” which is certainly one of the themes of the Jubilee year! Thanks for your comment! Melannie
If that tiny shoot can grow and flourish in a soilless drain we can have great hope. Thank you for the wonderful explanation of the jubilee year. I found it very inspiring and helpful in understanding what this whole jubilee year is about.
Mary James, I love your first sentence based on that photo of the “tiny shoot” growing “in a soiless drain.” Thanks so much for writing! Melannie
Jubilee. Jubilation. Not common words. I hope and pray that we can achieve some uncommon results…the kingdom.
You make a good point, James! These “uncommon words” just might lead to some “uncommon results.” Thank you! Melannie
Melannie,
Thanks for the weekly blog. Your selections and words keep me focused for many days. I keep looking at the little plant sprouting from the drain. I am that sprout at 87 years of age.
Mary, You’re welcome! And thank YOU for being a wise 87-year-old “sprout” in our online Sunflower Community! Melannie
Thank you, Sister Melannie. Your words made Jubilee so much clearer than the “official” explaination that was published in our Bulletin this past Sunday.
P.S. The song is beautiful. It may be a little difficult to sing but I love it.
P.P.S. I miss your words in Give Us This Day.
Theresa, I’m so glad you found the explanation helpful… I still write for “Give Us This Day,” but they have so many fine writers that I’m usually given an assignment about four times a year. It’s a privilege writing for such a beautiful publication which I use every day! Melannie
I will be on a pilgrimage to the Vatican in September to celebrate the Jubilee! I am so thankful and blessed to be able to go.
Eva, How wonderful that you’re going to Rome in September! Please take all of us who read “Sunflower Seeds” with you in your prayer! Thank you–and blessings on your pilgrimage! Melannie
Good morning and thank you once again for your inspiring messages Melannie. The sprout coming out of the drain sparked a reminder that hope is alive if we believe and trust in God’s will in our lives. I’ve been in desperate need of that reminder.
I love the song for the Jubilee year and the beautiful logo. I look forward to checking out the official website.
Congratulations on the new book! I am anxious to get a copy and add it to my “Sr. Melannie “ library.
Loretta, I’m glad the little sprout in the drain spoke to you too! It certainly did for me! And thank you for getting my latest book. I appreciate your support and encouragement! Melannie (your “cuz.”)
Good afternoon. As I was looking at the logo what struck me was that the four people are the boat! Therefore we need each other on this journey. It is only with each other that we are going to get to our destination (heaven). Also I noticed that Luce has a necklace – the rosary. Mary is an important part of our journey. I look forward to learning more about this jubilee year. Thank you, Sr. Melannie!
I loved your insight, Martha, that the people ARE the boat! We ARE the “bark of Peter.” And yes, little Luce wears a rosary around her neck–highlighting (as you said) that Mary “is an important part of our journey!’ Thanks for your comment! Melannie
Ohhh …thank you so much for explaining the Jubilee. I’ve been hearing about it, but not too sure about all of it. Hope is everything in our world today. Luce is so sweet. I keep seeing the sun on her hat, the ocean on her hair & the land on her face?! Haven’t decided about her eyes yet. ☺️
Love the song.
We all think so much of you.
Thanks too for Mondays.
Sue, I appreciated what you said about the Jubilee year mascot, Luce… Yes, her eyes are most unusual. Thank you for responding! Melannie
Thank you, Sr. Melannie, your Monday “Seeds” plant a gift of hope and always a new perspective of looking at life. I appreciate your simplified depth into the Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope. I think the plant coming out of the drain shows that even in the darkest places/times, God is there to plant “new growth”…..HE never abandons us.
Charlene, I especially liked your sentence: “I think the plant coming out of the drain shows that even in the darkest places/times, God is there to plant ‘new growth'” Wow! You say it so well! If only we could hang on to this truth always! Was this what Jesus experienced as he hung on the cross?…Thank you! Melannie
I was touched by the image of the plant growing out of the sewer – certainly and image of hope. Growth happens in a place not expected. That’s how God works in our lives. we need to keep our eyes, hearts and minds open to discover the hope God always has in store for us. Today, (January 8) the gospel was about Jesus entering the boat when the disciples feared the stormy sea. God is always in the boat with us. This IS hope!
Margaret, Thank you for pointing out that God often shows up “in a place not expected.” And our “way of proceeding” (as the Jesuits say) in this life is (as you say) “to keep our eyes, hearts, and minds open.” Thank you for your beautiful comment! Your “cuz” Melannie
I had the great fortune to be a student in Sister Melannie’s twelfth-grade English class at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh, North Carolina. I’ve never had a better teacher; she was exceedingly knowledgeable, insightful, and enthusiastic. She brought such joy to the classroom and started me on the path of a lifelong love of James Joyce’s writings.
Visiting the churches described in Merton’s The Seven Storey Mountain would be such a pleasure during this Jubilee Year in Rome. You’ve got me thinking about it!
I look forward to reading Sister Melannie’s new book!
Ed, What a wonderful surprise to hear from you–after all these years! I remember you well from my time in Raleigh. I recall you were a deep thinker and an all-around “good guy.” Your comment brought tears to my eyes. Thank you! I’ll say more to you in a personal email… Thanks again, Ed! Melannie