As we enter 2025, the global Catholic community is filled with anticipation and joy for the Jubilee of Hope. This special year, declared by Pope Francis, is a time for renewal, reflection, and deepening of faith. The Jubilee of Hope invites all faithful to embark on a spiritual journey, seeking reconciliation, mercy, and a renewed commitment to living out the Gospel.
Children are naturally filled with hope and wonder, making the Jubilee of Hope a perfect opportunity to deepen their Catholic faith. This special year offers countless moments for young hearts to experience God’s love and mercy in profound ways. Through participating in pilgrimages, engaging in acts of charity, and joining in community prayers, children can grow closer to God and develop a strong foundation in their faith. The Jubilee of Hope encourages them to embrace their spiritual journey with enthusiasm and joy, fostering a lifelong commitment to living out the Gospel values.
What is the Jubilee of Hope?
The Jubilee of Hope is a Holy Year that fosters hope and spiritual renewal. It is an opportunity for Catholics worldwide to engage in acts of mercy, pilgrimage, and prayer. The Jubilee offers a unique opportunity to experience God’s grace and strengthen our bonds with one another and the Church.
Do you know Saint Meinrad Archabbey Church is a pilgrimage site in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis? The Jubilee of Hope presents a wonderful opportunity to visit several significant pilgrimage sites, including Saint Meinrad Archabbey Church.
Jubilee Year Plenary Indulgence: A Path to Teach Children about Grace and Renewal
During the Jubilee of Hope, the Church extends a profound invitation to the faithful to obtain a plenary indulgence. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches, “An indulgence is a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven, which the faithful Christian who is duly disposed gains under certain prescribed conditions through the action of the Church which, as the minister of redemption, dispenses and applies with authority the treasury of the satisfactions of Christ and the saints.”
Pray and teach with action: This year is a perfect moment for parents to teach children about the many ways one can obtain plenary indulgence:
· Visit a Jubilee pilgrimage site: while visiting, devoutly participate in one of the following:
o Mass
o A celebration of the Word of God
o The Liturgy of the Hours prayed in community
o The Way of the Cross
o The Rosary
o Eucharistic Adoration concluded with the Our Father, a Profession of Faith, and a Marian prayer, such as the Hail Mary or Hail Holy Queen.
· Families could find ways to engage in spiritual activities, such as participating in missions, spiritual exercises, or formation activities focused on the documents of the Second Vatican Council and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
· Acts of Mercy: visit those in need, such as the ill, prisoners, the lonely, or the elderly, “in a sense making a pilgrimage to Christ present in them.”
· Penance and charity: engage in initiatives that embody the spirit of penance, such as:
o Abstaining on Fridays to rediscover its penitential nature, whether from futile distractions, superfluous consumption, or meat, according to the general norms of the Church.
o Donating to the poor.
o Supporting efforts in the defense and protection of human life in all its phases.
o Enhancing the quality of life for those in need in tangible ways.
o Volunteering in service to your community.
Participating in the Jubilee of Hope can take many forms, from making a pilgrimage to Saint Meinrad or any other designated sacred sites to engaging in acts of charity and mercy within your community. The essence of the Jubilee lies in opening our hearts to God’s love and extending that love to others.
As we journey through this Holy Year, we can assist children with opportunities for growth and renewal that the Jubilee of Hope offers. May it be a time of profound spiritual enrichment for all, drawing us closer to God and one another.
We would be delighted if you visited us on the Hill at Saint Meinrad. Your presence would be a joy, and we warmly invite you to meet with us if you can. Whether you come for prayer, reflection, or to experience the serene beauty of our community, we look forward to welcoming you and sharing in the spirit of the Jubilee of Hope together. Please let us know if you plan to visit, as we would love to connect with you personally.