Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims Of Hope
The Catholic Church is recognizing a historic spiritual milestone—Jubilee 2025, a sacred year of renewal, reconciliation, and hope. Rooted in the biblical tradition of jubilee, which calls for restoration and new beginnings, this global event invites all people, regardless of faith background, to embark on a journey of hope, unity, and spiritual renewal.
Under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” Jubilee 2025 encourages individuals and communities to embrace the power of faith, service, and reconciliation in a world longing for peace and healing. Pilgrims from around the world will be welcomed to Rome and beyond, encountering moments of reflection, prayer, and action that inspire a deeper commitment to love and justice.
Jubilee is an opportunity to step into a time of grace—a moment to reflect, reconnect, and rediscover the hope that transforms lives. During Jubilee, pilgrims are offered the gift of the blessing of an Indulgence.
An indulgence is an extraordinary act of divine mercy. While the sacrament of reconciliation removes guilt with forgiveness, sin leaves an injustice in life that demands to be rectified. An indulgence is a lavish outpouring of God’s mercy, granted through the keys given to St. Peter, that absolves not only the guilt of sin but all just punishment for sin as well. To meet the requirements to gain an indulgence, there must be a pilgrimage, prayer for the intention of the Holy Father, reception of the Eucharist in the context of Mass, and celebration of the sacrament of penance within 20 days. Those are the only requirements, and no further action or acknowledgement is needed from any clergy (priest or bishop). Four regional parishes have been designated for Jubilee in our diocese.
Read the article in High Desert Catholic magazine on more about Jubilee history, learn about the blessing of an indulgence, and plan a visit to one of the four designated Jubilee parishes: St. Thomas Aquinas Cathedral (Reno), St. Paul (Winnemucca), St. Mary’s in the Mountains (Virginia City) and St. Joseph (Elko). The Jubilee year ends January 6, 2026 on the celebration of the Feast of the Epiphany.
More information and resources from the USCCB are below.
Diocese of Reno Year of Jubilee 2025 Initiatives: The Diocesan Pastoral Council has developed the following focus areas for Jubilee 2025, with the guidance and approval of Bishop Daniel Mueggenborg.
Feature / focus on charitable activities – tie those into visible “signs of Hope” for the community
- Send a representative or ambassador from Catholic Charities to each parish to share information about local programs and encourage participation
- Encourage donations of Thanksgiving / Christmas baskets as charitable example of hope in the Jubilee Year
Youth / Young Adults / UNR Catholics Community / Newman Center
- “Hope” masses – invite senior year youth from Confirmation classes to spring and summer masses to introduce them to the Newman Center ministry as they prepare to begin college (Hope for youth to continue practicing their faith during their college years)
- Dedicate stained-glass window(s) to the Theological and Cardinal Virtues of Hope is a key virtue
- Significantly increase participation in the SEEK conference to give young adults hope for them and the Church
Placement of Jubilee crosses at rural parishes (Virginia City, Winnemucca, Elko)
- Publish “Pilgrimage” article and instructions in HDC to encourage participation and fulfillment locally
- Plenary Indulgence available for those who Confess their Sins, Receive Eucharist at Mass, and Pray for the Intentions of the Holy Father.
Bishop Mueggenborg will celebrate Confirmation masses with a “Hope” message
- Encourage their journey and inspire hope
Diocese Anniversary Mass to celebrate the “Hope” of Married Life – Saturday June 21, 2025
Diocesan pilgrimage to Rome, Italy Oct 11-21, 2025
Resolution of Parish Debt
- Work with as many parishes as possible who have overwhelming outstanding debt held by the Diocese of Reno to assist them in resolving their debt in a responsible and reasonable manner.