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Holy Day of Obligation

December 9, Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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Saturday: 10 a.m.-10:30 a.m. (English)

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Advent: Coming to a Heart Near You

by Fr. Michael S. Murray, OSFS

“Advent” comes from the Latin advenire, translated as “to come to.”

From a liturgical perspective, many of the Scripture readings associated with the end of the Year (Christ the King) and the beginning of Advent have a similar message: stay awake, be on the watch for you know not the day or the hour. These are really two sides of the same coin.

On the one hand, we are being told to stay awake and to be on the watch for the Lord’s Second Coming as we wind down the closing liturgical year; similarly, we are being told to stay awake and to be on the watch for the Lord’s First Coming, his coming as the long-awaited Messiah.

In both cases, as we anticipate both “comings” of the Lord, we wait. But this waiting is not passive; it is not the same as loitering. Christian waiting is proactive and vigilant.

Which, in the Salesian tradition at least, brings us to the “Third” Coming of the Lord: the Holy Spirit, who comes to us day in and day out in our relationships with ourselves and with others. Blessed Louis Brisson, Founder of the Oblate Sisters and the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales observed:

“This coming of the Lord occurs in our minds and hearts. It is an everyday Advent that occurs every time we have a good thought or feeling, every time we say something good, every time we do something good: Jesus comes to others through us, and Jesus comes to us through others.” (Cor ad Cor)

Advent calls us to do our level best to stay awake, to pay attention, and to be on the lookout for opportunities to have good thoughts, to harbor good feelings, to develop good attitudes, to speak healing words, and to build good things. Easier said than done, of course, when you consider all the things that we will be about between now and the celebration of Christmas, to say nothing of the demands, distractions, and static of everyday life that can cause us to lose sight of the Lord in ourselves and each other.

Be vigilant–be watchful–for all the opportunities (great and small) that will come your way every day to “be who you are, and to be that well”–just like Jesus did!

Today, most (but certainly not all) of the world measures time using the Gregorian calendar, which is hinged upon the year of the Lord’s birth. The last ordinary Jubilee year was 2000, which marked 2000 years since the birth of Christ Jesus. Though many of us feel like the year 2000 was just yesterday, it was in fact, 25 years ago and the last ordinary Jubilee in the Catholic Church. The Jubilee year, sometimes called the Holy Year, is a call to action, forgiveness, reconciliation, conversion, justice, and solidarity for people. A Jubilee year is above all the holy year of Christ, who promises hope and grace to humanity.

The Christian Jubilee is derived from Mosaic Law, which prescribed a special year for the Israelites every fifty years: “You shall treat this fiftieth year as sacred. You shall proclaim liberty in the land for all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you, when each of you shall return to your own property, each of you to your own family.” (Leviticus 25:10) The trumpet with which this particular year was announced was a goat’s horn called Yobel in Hebrew, and the origin of the word jubilee. Jubilare is the Latin word that means "to shout with joy" and is the root of both "jubilee" and "jubilation." The celebration of this year under Mosaic Law included the restitution of land to the original owners, the remission of debts, and the liberation of slaves.

The first Christian Jubilee year was decreed in 1300 by Pope Boniface VIII. When the Jubilee was proclaimed with the Papal Bull, “Antiquorum Habet Fida Relatio,” the world was ravaged by wars, diseases, and suffering—despair and hopelessness abounded. That year, two million faithful pilgrimed to Rome for the Jubilee—considering the risk and fortitude undertaken to travel by foot, this was an incredible response. The Jubilee year was not just a much-needed spiritual boost, but also an economic stimulus for Rome. One of the “celebrities” recorded as a pilgrim to Rome for the first Jubilee was Dante Alighieri, the Italian poet who wrote about the Jubilee in his narrative poem “Divine Comedy.” It was decided then that a second Jubilee would follow in 100 years. However, Pope Clement VI received numerous requests for the Jubilee to occur before 1400, and it was decided that the second Jubilee would be in 1350. Amidst a raging war between England and France, the ravaging Black plague, and a devastating earthquake in 1349, over a million and a half resilient pilgrims still journeyed to Rome that year. The rules and exceptions to rules for the timing of the Jubilee year continued until 1470 when Pope Paul II proclaimed in a Papal Bull that Jubilees would be every 25 years, and we have continued with this pattern for more than 500 years, except, of course, when we don’t—extraordinary Jubilee years can be proclaimed for specific reasons not tied to the 25-year cycle. In the 16th century, the first extraordinary Jubilee was declared, and there have been others since including 1933: Pope Pius XI called for an extraordinary Jubilee year to mark the 1900th anniversary of Redemption; 1983: Pope John Paul II announced a Holy Year to celebrate the 1950th year since the Death and Resurrection of Christ in the year 33, and 2015: Pope Francis declared an extraordinary year to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of the Second Vatican Council.

We are weeks away from beginning the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope, so, what do we do to celebrate a Jubilee year? Jubilee is an outward expression of joy. The initial Jubilee was celebrated by a pilgrimage to Rome for the faithful where pilgrims prayed at the tombs of Peter and Paul. By the second Jubilee, pilgrims were also instructed to visit Saint John Lateran, Rome’s Cathedral. In 1425, a special medal was first created to commemorate the Holy Year, and the Holy Door in Saint John Lateran was opened for pilgrims. For the Jubilee year of 1475, Pope Sixtus IV commissioned art to adorn the city: both the Sistine Chapel and the Ponte Sisto (Sixtus Bridge) were built—and both named for him. The turning of the century at 1500 brought expanded traditions to the Jubilee. “I am the door; if anyone enters by me, he will be saved.” (John 10:9) This Scripture passage is the foundation for the Jubilee tradition of opening and passing through the Holy Doors. Firmly established in 1500, the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica (pictured above) was opened as well as the Holy Doors at the other three local Basilicas (St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Paul Outside the Walls). Holy Doors remain open throughout the Jubilee year for pilgrims to pass through; as the Jubilee year ends, the Holy Door is sealed with stone and mortar until the next Jubilee. Through the years, despite the Reformation, the Western Schism, troops occupying Rome, wars, fire, plague, drought, and death, the tradition of the Holy Doors has continued every 25 years.

On May 9, 2024, the Solemnity of the Ascension, Pope Francis issued the Papal Bull of Indiction, “Spes Non Confundit” (Hope Does Not Disappoint), announcing the 2025 Jubilee of Hope. The Holy Year will begin later this month when Pope Francis opens the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve. The other three papal basilicas will open during the liturgical Christmas season. The Jubilee year will end on Epiphany 2026 when the Holy Door at St. Peter’s is sealed; during this time 35 million pilgrims are expected to travel to Rome and Vatican City.

Like previous years, 2025 continues with an evolution of the Jubilee tradition. On December 26, 2024, the feast of St. Stephen the Martyr, Pope Francis will open a Holy Door in the Roman prison of Rebibbia, marking a historic moment in the history of Jubilee years. The Pope explains this decision to expand the tradition to make the Holy Door even accessible to the imprisoned, “During the Holy Year, we are called to be tangible signs of hope for those of our brothers and sisters who experience hardships of any kind. I think of prisoners who, deprived of their freedom, daily feel the harshness of detention and its restrictions, lack of affection and, in more than a few cases, lack of respect for their persons. I propose that in this Jubilee Year governments undertake initiatives aimed at restoring hope; forms of amnesty or pardon meant to help individuals regain confidence in themselves and in society; and programs of reintegration in the community, including a concrete commitment to respect for law.” 

Beyond pilgrimages to cross the threshold of the Holy Doors, there are a variety of other ways for the faithful to celebrate this special year and receive plenary indulgences for you and for the souls in Purgatory. Although it is true that “indulgences”—one of the triggers of the Reformation—can yet today evoke negative feelings, plenary indulgences are a mercy from God. The word plenary means absolute and to indulge is allowing yourself or another to have something desired—or simply, a kindness. The plenary indulgences that are given, especially during a Jubilee year but really at any time, are God’s mercy for deserved purification in Purgatory—quite literally an absolute kindness from God. Read more about how to obtain a plenary indulgence during this Jubilee year.

On May 13 of this year, The Degree of the Apostolic Penitentiary was issued—this is basically an explanation of how to receive plenary indulgences during the Jubilee year—and details pilgrimages, visits to other holy sites, and acts of mercy and charity. “During the Ordinary Jubilee of 2025...All the faithful, who are truly repentant and free from any affection for sin (Enchiridion Indulgentiarum), who are moved by a spirit of charity and who, during the Holy Year, purified through the sacrament of penance and refreshed by Holy Communion, pray for the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff, will be able to obtain from the treasury of the Church a plenary indulgence, with remission and forgiveness of all their sins, which can be applied in suffrage to the souls in Purgatory.”

The theme of the 2025 Jubilee is “Pilgrims of Hope,” which is written Peregrinantes in Spem in Latin. The logo, the result of a worldwide competition with entries from 48 different states (the winning design is by an Italian artist), features four figures united as the lead figure carries the cross. Conversely to the Jerusalem cross, which has the four Gospels going out separately to evangelize to the corners of the world with the cross at the heart of it, the logo for “Pilgrims of Hope” has four connected figures journeying to a common destination, led by the cross. The figures represent humanity across the globe and their cross extends to become an anchor. A simple tool with a long history of service, the anchor is a universal symbol of hope and security. Since ancient times, to mariners and then Christians, the anchor has represented stability and a safe journey home. As stated in Hebrews 6:18-19, “…hold fast to the hope that lies before us. This we have as an anchor of the soul…” The pilgrims’ cross, representing their faith, is anchored, assuring them of stability, though they may face challenges—represented by the waves beneath them. This embodies the message for all of us—we are all the four pilgrims, on a journey, guided by the hope of Christ.

Jubilee 2025 also introduces a new element never tried by any of the popes since the Jubilee’s inception in 1300. This year there is a Jubilee mascot, intended to appeal to younger pilgrims. Her name is Luce, Italian for light, and she is already the topic of global discussion. Unveiled at Italy’s Lucca Comics and Games convention in October, she will be the face of the Holy See’s pavilion at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, which runs from April to October 2025. World Expos are held every five years and are considered critical venues for global collaboration, problem-saving, and unity. World Expo 2025 expects 28 million visitors.

Like Catholicism, Luce is steeped in iconography. Clad in a Vatican-yellow raincoat and muddy boots, Luce is a pilgrim who has encountered adverse conditions on her journey. Yet, her eyes shine with the scalloped shells of the Camino de Santiago, symbols of our baptismal salvation, and in her hand is a pilgrim’s staff aiding her on this eternal journey. She wears a rosary and her blue hair represents, you guessed it: Our Mother Mary. Luce is not alone on her journey; she has her trusty pup, Santino (little saint, which should answer, once and for all, if there are dogs in Heaven…), and three companions: Fe, Xin, and Sky.

Luce was created by Simone Legno, Italian co-founder of the global pop culture brand tokidoki. Her introduction has garnered strong responses varying from love to loathe, but the fact remains—love her or hate her, she wasn’t created to appeal to adults. Luce is intended to be a method of evangelization to youth worldwide, and anime pop culture appeals to many of them—the tokidoki brand itself is wildly popular. In this regard, this bold move on the Vatican’s part, seems to be marketing genius.

In addition to Luce, there will be other events during the Year of Hope that will inspire young Catholics. On April 27, Blessed Carlo Acutis, will be canonized becoming the first millennial saint. Known for his dedication to the Eucharist, Carlo used technology and video games to evangelize before dying of leukemia in 2006. The canonization of Pier Giorgio Frassati will happen sometime during the Jubilee of Youth, July 28-August 3. Frassati was a Third Order Domincian and devoted to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

He actively sought to serve the poor and servicemen returning from World War I. He died of polio in 1925 at the age of 24. Like Carlo, he also is beloved with a devout following. Frassati was an avid mountaineer, and on a photograph taken during what ended up being his final climb, he wrote, "Verso L'Alto," which means "to the heights." This has become a motto for those devoted to his canonization journey and their own journey to the summit of salvation. The canonizations of both young men will attract many young pilgrims to Rome during the Jubilee Year.

As we look forward to the December 24 launch of the Jubilee year, may each of you embrace the Year of Hope, experience this ancient tradition, and be mindful of your journey to salvation. There will be a plethora of opportunities to experience God’s grace this year. Check out the Vatican Jubilee website to learn more about the history of Jubilees as well as universal Church events. Likewise, the Arlington Diocese Jubilee webpage includes local information for celebrating throughout the Holy Year.

Experience this year in any way you are able—the next Ordinary Jubilee won’t be until 2050; however, two extraordinary Jubilees are expected to follow sooner: the Year of Guadalupe in 2031, celebrating 500 years since Our Lady appeared to St. Juan Diego, and the Jubilee of Redemption in 2033, marking 2000 years since the death of Christ.

Go, be pilgrims of hope, and Godspeed on your journey.



Advent, a time of waiting: Starting December 1 Catholics anticipate Christmas joy and hope. We await the Christ child during Advent with both intentional silences to prepare our hearts and family events as we prepare for Christmas celebrations. Many families have traditions and memories related to Advent. A few from our staff and parishioners include:

• Each year we fill a basket with Christmas Carol books. We sing through our favorites throughout the Advent season. It’s so fun to come back to the “Twelve Days of Christmas” each year and see how much faster the kids try to sing. 
• We put a new spin on the Christmas Villages from our childhoods by creating a Lego village with our kids. We started with the Home Alone house and plan to add other buildings and houses. We think this year will bring some of our favorite places from the Harry Potter collection. We start building after Thanksgiving! 
• Every night of Advent, we light the Advent candles and do a short prayer from a booklet that includes a reading, reflection, prayers, and song. Everyone who can read, takes turns being the reader and leader. Afterwards, we all blow out the candles and smile at each other. I believe the tradition started with my mom and her college roommate doing it in their dorm room, and it's been going ever since! 
• Decorating the tree/house together and wrapping gifts.  
• Participating in the SJN Giving Tree and buying gifts for less fortunate members of our community.  

Christians celebrate the Christ child in many ways: 

• During Advent and Christmas, we have Christmas angel dolls that we have named Ramon and Sophia. They are stuffed dolls that hide or appear in different places in our home. The angels may bring positive notes, tools to accomplish a family service activity, or small toys.
• Family traditions that remain strong in my memory are opening "family gifts" (gifts to and from my parents and siblings - six of us in total) on Christmas Eve to make room for "Santa Gifts" the next morning. 
• Our family always ate potato soup and toast for dinner on Christmas Eve. 
• Making Lefse (Norwegian) from the leftover mashed potatoes from Christmas dinner.
• My husband's family's tradition, which we've continued, is to have Jesus' birthday cake after church on Christmas Eve. We light the birthday candles, and all sing Him "Happy Birthday." It's easy to do and low-key in a high-stress season! Plus, easy to invite friends over for, too. 
• One of my favorite traditions is that we have a Christmas book basket that I only bring out during the holiday season. It’s filled with religious and secular Christmas books that we read every day and evening before bed. On Christmas Eve after church, we read "The Night Before Christmas" and "The Nativity Story." (Can’t wait to read about other Christmas traditions!)
• Caroling in the neighborhood or to senior homes.  
• Sending cards to family and friends. 
• Making Christmas cookies.
• Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve is an Italian American tradition. It is a meatless dinner with seven types of seafood.  
• In Peru, we celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve. Families go to Mass, exchange gifts, serve turkey with rice combined with sausage, homemade applesauce, prunes and pineapple with sugar, cloves, and cinnamon, and panettone with hot chocolate for dessert. The delicious hot chocolate is made with a Peruvian chocolate bar.  
• Everyone in my family had their own Christmas stocking that was made for them by our aunt with our names on it. We opened the stockings first on Christmas morning.  
• We went to Christmas Eve Mass with our children and drove around after that to look at Christmas lights.  

No matter how you and your family celebrate Advent and Christmas, we are grateful that you share these beautiful seasons with all of us here at SJN.



As we drove home from Thanksgiving in Maine on the day before Advent this year, I noticed all the cars topped with freshly cut and wrapped Christmas trees. While selecting our Christmas tree and remembering Christmases past as we hang our collection of ornaments is a favorite tradition, another Wright family tradition takes precedence in Advent: the Jesse Tree. The birth of Jesus--Christmas--begins the last 2000 years of Christian history, but before that were thousands of years of salvation history, and that story is what our family relives each year with Advent's nightly Scripture readings.

The Jesse Tree is an ancient tradition that can be found in all sorts of art, books, and textiles. It is essentially the genealogy of Jesus or the first chapter of the book of Matthew told over about 28 days (exact length varies based on the length of Advent).

For my family, we have journeyed through the Jesse Tree every Advent for most of our children's lives, and it has been wonderful to see how intuitive the story is to them now that two out of three kids are adults. Even now, this is a tradition we embrace–taking turns reading Scripture and hanging the ornament over dinner each night. Still today, for my daughter who is away at medical school, I prepare her an Advent calendar each year with the daily Jesse Tree reflections attached to each day's small gift.

Not all Jesse Tree traditions are exactly the same--there are variations using different parts of the story or symbols. Our Jesse Tree begins with Creation on the first day and weaves through history connecting the stories of people chosen by God, including Noah, Moses, Abraham, Joseph, Ruth, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Jonah to the Angel Gabriel, Elizabeth and Zechariah, and finally on Christmas Eve, the Baby Jesus.

I don't remember exactly what prompted us to begin the tradition--it wasn't a tradition that came from my childhood or my husband's. However, we first began our tree with paper ornaments from the Diocese of Erie. They have had a wonderful site for years that has printable ornaments accompanied by each year's reflections and Scripture reading. About eight years ago, we upgraded to beautiful wooden ornaments from Etsy. Our Jesse Tree is merely tree branches tipped with white lights, that it is always prominently positioned next to our family table during Advent. Like Advent it begins stark, but by Christmas it is a rich tapestry of ornaments telling the glorious story of our salvation all the way to an unassuming manger in Bethlehem.

As we prepare for Christ's birth, lighting a candle on our Advent wreaths each week, experiencing the hope, peace, joy, and love of Christ, it is the Jesse Tree that narrates this magnificent history of how God always planned to save us. His love is woven through the fabric of salvation history and on Christmas, when the Son of God is born, we will celebrate not the end, but the continuation of a love that has endured since the beginning of time.



The Pope's Intention for Prayer and Action

for December

For pilgrims of hope

We pray that this Jubilee Year strengthen our faith, helping us to recognize the Risen Christ in our daily lives, and that it may transform us into pilgrims of Christian hope.