For everyone, may the Jubilee be a moment of genuine, personal encounter with the Lord Jesus, the “door” (cf. Jn 10:7.9) of our salvation, whom the Church is charged to proclaim always, everywhere and to all as “our hope” (1 Tim 1:1).
~Pope Francis, Spes Non Confundit 1
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Jubilee 2025 – Pilgrims of Hope
The 2025 Jubilee Year, as established by Pope Francis, has begun. Five locations in the Diocese of Venice have been designated as Jubilee pilgrimage sites by Bishop Frank J. Dewane. These pilgrimage sites are the Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers, St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples, St. Paul Parish in Arcadia, and Our Lady of Perpetual Health Retreat & Spirituality Center in Venice. These five locations, located in each of the geographical regions (Deaneries) of the Diocese, were selected for the convenience of the faithful so that they may take pilgrimage sites will be announced in the coming weeks and shared on the Diocese’s website and social media, with more events and activities to be announced.
FAQs About the Jubilee
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When does the Jubilee Year begin and end? The Jubilee Year officially begins on December 24, 2024, when Pope Francis opens the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. It will conclude on January 6, 2026.
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Are there any Holy Doors within the Diocese(s) of Florida? No. The only Holy Doors for the Jubilee are in Rome.
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How can I participate in the Jubilee Year? All the faithful are encouraged to embrace the invitation to become a true pilgrim of hope, both spiritually and physically. First, you can go to (or return to) the sacrament of reconciliation. In addition, you can visit any of the official diocesan pilgrimage sites, where you will be able to pray the official prayer for Jubilee Year 2025, unite yourself spiritually with all who will journey as pilgrims to Rome, and obtain an indulgence freeing you from the temporal punishment caused by sin. Also, you can strive to forgive others who have wronged you.
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What is an Indulgence? An indulgence is the remission of the temporal punishment (the effects of sin that linger in us) caused by sin. Because sin is a preference for self-love, it leaves behind an unhealthy attachment to (or a disordered love for) earthly things, even after it is forgiven. The Church teaches that these earthly attachments can be purified either here on earth (through an indulgence) or after death in Purgatory. God’s abundant mercy is such that he offers to free us from earthly attachments by means of heavenly remedies, such as prayers, pilgrimages, devotions, and works of mercy.
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What is the Jubilee Indulgence? During the Jubilee Year 2025, the faithful can obtain a plenary indulgence—that is, complete remission of the temporal punishment due to sin—by making SPACE for God in your day: Avoid SIN (have complete detachment from all sin, even venial ones). Go to one of the pilgrimage sites and offer PRAYERS for the Pope (Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be to the Father). Within 20 days of going to the pilgrimage, go to CONFESSION and receive the Eucharist.
The Jubilee Prayer
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Father in heaven, may the faith you have given us in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother, and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of your Kingdom.
May your grace transform us into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel. May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos in the sure expectation of a new heaven and a new earth, when, with the powers of Evil vanquished, your glory will shine eternally. May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the treasures of heaven.
May that same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer throughout the earth. To you our God, eternally blessed, be glory and praise forever. Amen
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Pilgrimage Sites for the Diocese of Venice
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Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, 310 Sarasota Street, Venice, FL 34285, (941) 484-3505
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St. John XXIII Church, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers, FL 33912, (239) 561-2245
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St. John the Evangelist Church, 625 111th Avenue N, Naples, FL 34108, (239) 566-8740
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St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 1330 East Oak Street, Arcadia, FL 34266, (863) 494-2611
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Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat & Spirituality Center, 3989 South Moon Drive, Venice, FL 34292, (941) 486-0233
Links to various resources on the web:
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Jubilee 2025 – Pilgrims of Hope (USCCB)
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