|
By Dr. Karen Shadle
What is a Jubilee? It is a time of reflection and rejoicing, marking a significant anniversary. The word “Jubilee” comes from the Hebrew “yobhel,” a ram’s horn. In ancient times, the horn was blown to announce the beginning of special celebrations. This continues today with the Jewish tradition of sounding the shofar on Yom Kippur.
The book of Leviticus indicates that jubilee years were marked at regular intervals as a way of refocusing one’s relationship with God and one another. In the year 1300, Pope Boniface VIII called the first official Jubilee Year for the institutional Church. Since 1475, these have occurred every 25 years at each quarter-century.
We are all familiar with the festivities surrounding the important events in our own lives – birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and so on. You can think of the Jubilee year as a collective celebration of all of those things for the whole Catholic Church throughout the world. It’s as if to say, “We did it! After another generation, we are still here proclaiming the Good News, continuing the salvific mission of Jesus Christ, and being light to the world.”
Every time in human history brings unique challenges, and the Church persists in her mission by responding to the particular needs of the current age. I think of the words of Psalm 90: “Lord, you have been our refuge through all generations. From eternity to eternity you are God.”
To that end, the Pope as leader of the Church often adds a theme or focus to the Jubilee Year. Pope Francis has chosen “Pilgrims of Hope” as the 2025 Jubilee theme. The world is increasingly secular, polarized and technocratic. We have survived a pandemic, acts of terrorism, and global financial crisis. In the face of all of this, the Church continues to be a sure sign of hope and optimism for the future.
How can you celebrate the Jubilee Year of Hope? Start by reading the Holy Father’s document announcing the Jubilee, “Spes Non Confundit.” In it, you will find inspiration and direction for how you might deepen your faith this year. Consider making a pilgrimage to a holy site, either locally or abroad. (Click here for more information about pilgrimages.) Find opportunities to practice works of mercy. Pray more frequently. Go to Mass. In all of these ways and many more, we will strive to be pilgrims of hope in the new year, joyfully announcing the Gospel to a world that sorely needs it.
Dr. Karen Shadle is the Director of the Office of Worship for the Archdiocese of Louisville.
| 
