For what do we hope?
To see God.
To be living stones in His temple.
To unite all creation in Christ.

What is a Jubilee Year?

A Jubilee Year is a time in which God’s holiness transforms us. The Bible indicates that the holy year was intended to be marked as a time to re-establish a proper relationship with God, with one another, and with all of creation. In 1470, Pope Paul II declared that Holy Years would be celebrated every 25 years. Holy Year, or Jubilee Year, includes special celebrations and pilgrimages, strong calls for conversion and repentance, and special opportunities to experience God’s grace through the sacraments, especially confession. 

Pope Francis had dedicated this Jubilee Year to “Pilgrims of Hope”. In the heart of each person dwells the desire and expectation of good things to come, despite not knowing what the future may bring. This Jubilee Year is an opportunity to be renewed in hope, in the hope of “life everlasting”. Through our baptism, we are Pilgrims of Hope, opened to God’s grace, nourished by Jesus Christ, and accompanied by the Holy Spirit. On this journey anchored by unending hope, we patiently yearn to see God as he is, to be living stones transformed into spiritual houses, and to await with creation for God’s redemption. Throughout the Jubilee Year, Catholics in the Diocese of Sacramento are invited to live abundantly in hope, so that we may credibly bear attractive witness to the faith and love that dwell in our hearts, illuminating the hope of eternal life.

Nine ways to live the Jubilee Year

2. Visit and pray at the pilgrimage sites. 

List of Pilgrimage Sites 

3. Reflect on the Diocesan Themes and share your thoughts with others.

4. Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the 24 Hours for the Lord, and more frequently throughout the year.

5. Research the Patron Saint of your parish or school. Who were they? How were they a pilgrim of hope? Share one of their quotes or teachings on social media.

6. Share stories of hope with someone in person or on social media.

7. Invite a family from the parish who you don’t know well to dinner in your home.

8. Take a hike with your family and spend some time along the way in prayer, thanking God for all He has created and all the blessings He has given to us.

9. Attend Jubilee days and events on the calendar and invite someone to join you.

Full Calendar PDF

A plenary Indulgence is granted by visiting a pilgrimage site and praying the Apostles Creed, the Our Father, the Hail Mary and the Jubilee Year Prayer remembering the intentions of the Holy Father, going to confession, and receiving Holy Communion at Mass. 

One also receives an indulgence by practicing the works of mercy along with prayer, confession, and the reception of Holy Communion at Mass.