So What Exactly is a Jubilee Year Anyway?

Explore the Beauty and Mystery of this ancient tradition

Timothy Cardinal Dolan raises Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament at the kickoff Mass for the 2025 Jubilee year at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC.

If you’re anything like me, you may not have known exactly what a Jubilee Year is—and that’s okay.

Because the Catholic Church has a depth and breadth of traditions, devotions, and symbols that make the Library of Congress look like a pamphlet.

You can’t be expected to know everything.

For example, take the Umbraculum, AKA Umbrellino, the umbrella-type thing carried over the Blessed Sacrament during processions.

But it’s not just that.

It’s also conspicuously placed in the sanctuary of Minor Basilicas, indicating their connection to the Holy See…and only opened when a Pope visits.

Or the ‘candle snuffer,’ the device used to light and extinguish the tall candles around the altar…which rumor says has recently been named a Lucereum.

I could go on, but if you’re truly interested, you might want to venture down the rabbit hole yourself; just make sure you bring snacks.

Timothy Cardinal Dolan enters St. Patrick’s Cathedral just before the start of the Jubilee kickoff Mass, symbolizing entering the Mercy of Christ.

I was contacted about covering the initiating Mass for the Jubilee year at St. Patrick’s Cathedral by Our Sunday Visitor this past weekend. I accepted, just not knowing exactly what I’d accepted.

But it was at St. Patrick’s, so I knew it was something important.

And, of course, like all of the plethora of traditions and practices, there’s a rich and beautiful significance to them. And for that matter, each of these countless traditions holds an equally mind-numbing store of beauty. And this stands to reason since Christ, the Author of Existence, is Beauty Incarnate. And well, it’s His Church.

So, what exactly is a Jubilee?

Essentially, it’s a special year of Grace and spiritual renewal that's declared every 25 years.

Or sometimes not 25 years.

That’s called an extraordinary Jubilee. (Remember, it’s Catholic, so why make it simple.)

It’s a time when the Church in a special way encourages us to grow closer to Christ, embrace the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and strengthen our Faith through prayer, pilgrimage, and acts of charity.

The tradition is inspired by the ancient Jewish practice of a Jubilee year, which was a time of liberation, forgiveness of debts, and rest for the land. The first Catholic Jubileewas was proclaimed by Pope Boniface VIII in 1300.

Timothy Cardinal Dolan Blesses the congregation with Holy Water as the Jubilee Mass begins.

Several unique and deeply meaningful elements mark a Jubilee year. One of the most symbolic traditions is the opening of Holy Doors in major basilicas, such as St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Walking through these doors is a profound act, representing entering into Christ’s Mercy.

Another central aspect is the opportunity to receive a plenary indulgence—a special Grace that removes the temporal punishment for sins. This Grace is received by fulfilling specific acts, including going to confession, receiving the Eucharist, praying for the Pope’s intentions, and engaging in acts of charity or pilgrimage.

Additionally, each Jubilee carries a distinct focus, with the 2025 Jubilee-themed “Pilgrims of Hope” a call to renewal and a spirit of hope for the faithful. These elements combine to make the Jubilee a time of spiritual transformation and communal celebration.

The bottom line is that it’s a joyful time for Catholics around the world and a renewed call to deepen their relationship with Christ.

And the more I read about it, it seems like it would be good to make every year a Jubilee year. Because, like so many other traditions practiced in the Faith, it’s rooted in guiding us along the path to Christ.

I’ll leave it at this.

While I may joke about the seemingly endless variety of traditions in the Church, which can be overwhelming to outsiders and even insiders, there may be a simple beauty they all share.

Perhaps this infinite array of traditions and devotions in some way reflects the infinite Love and Grace that flow from Christ Himself.

And that's beautiful.

So bring on the Umbrellino, Lucereum, and all the countless symbols, devotions, and traditions that the Church has in rich supply, because if even in only some small way they help us grow in our relationship with Christ...well then, the more the merrier :-)

Timothy Cardinal Dolan delivers his homily beneath the soaring ceilings of St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

The Altar Servers expertly prepare the incense as the Liturgy of the Eucharist is about to begin.

Timothy Cardinal Dolan incenses the Altar. Incensing the altar is an act of purification and reverence, acknowledging its sacred role and representing the prayers of the Faithful rising to Christ.

A special Crucifix is placed in the sanctuary. It will remain in place until the Jubilee year concludes.

After the Final Blessing, Timothy Cardinal Dolan takes his time to greet many of the Faithful.

Young and old alike!

Hope to see you at Mass at the Cathedral!

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