2025 Jubilee, Pilgrims of Hope
The 2025 Jubilee Year, themed Pilgrims of Hope, invites Catholics to embark on a spiritual journey of renewal, reconciliation, and hope. Rooted in biblical tradition and Church history, this year-long celebration began on 24 December 2024 with the opening of the Holy Door of Saint Peter’s Basilica and concludes on 6 January 2026, the Feast of the Epiphany, with the closing of the Door.
“The Jubilee Year offers us an opportunity to refocus our lives on Christ, mend divisions, and renew our trust in God’s promises. It is a time to celebrate the joy of our faith and to shine Christ’s hope into the lives of others.” – Bishop Greg Homeming
The meaning of Jubilee
The history of the Jubilee can be traced back to the Old Testament. It is derived from the Hebrew word ‘yobel’ meaning ‘ram’s horn’ and is used to announce the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) and herald the Jubilee Year. Within the Bible, the Jubilee was observed every 50 years as a time to restore relationships with God, one another, and creation. It involved forgiving debts, returning misappropriated land, and allowing the earth to rest, embodying liberation and renewal (cf. Leviticus 25:8-13). Reflecting this spirit, the Gospel of Luke recounts Jesus’ proclamation:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me… to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives… and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.” (Luke 4:18-19)
Jubilee art prize and exhibition
To celebrate the Holy Year, the Diocese of Lismore is hosting an art prize and exhibition. The competition invites children, families, and adults to submit artwork that captures the Jubilee theme.
Local celebrations
In the Diocese of Lismore, four pilgrimage churches have been designated as places of hope where people are encouraged to worship, pray, and deepen their relationship with God:
- St Carthage’s Cathedral, Lismore
- Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Murwillumbah
- St Augustine’s Catholic Church, Coffs Harbour
- St Agnes’ Catholic Church, Port Macquarie
The Good Ship Hope
As part of the Jubilee celebrations, the Good Ship Hope will dock at Catholic schools within the Diocese. This boat, inspired by the Jubilee logo, was constructed by students and staff at Newman College, Port Macquarie, symbolising our collective journey as Pilgrims of Hope.
Jubilee prayer and hymn
Watch Pilgrims of Hope by Proclaim Lismore Wildfire
How to be involved
We encourage all members of our community to participate in the Jubilee Year:
- Receive a Plenary Indulgence – One part of the Jubilee is for Catholics to gain a Plenary Indulgence; which is part of the Catholic tradition aimed at deepening one’s relationship with God and neighbour.
- Attend events – Visit one of the pilgrim churches and join your local parish for liturgical celebrations and other community events.
- Volunteer – Offer your time and talents to support Jubilee activities.
Share your story
Have you been on a pilgrimage that deeply impacted your life and faith? We’d love to hear your story! Please email your ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ experiences to media@lismore.catholic.org.au
Jubilee resources
Jubilee of people with disabilities
What Is a Plenary Indulgence?
During this Holy Year, you have the opportunity to receive a Plenary Indulgence — a special grace offered by the Church.
A Plenary Indulgence is the complete remission of the temporal punishment due to sins that have already been forgiven. In simple terms, it is a grace that frees the soul from the need for further purification in Purgatory.
Plenary indulgences granted during the Jubilee Year can also be applied to the souls of the faithful in Purgatory.
How can I receive one?
One of the main ways to receive a Plenary Indulgence is travel to one of the four pilgrimage churches. The most notable of the four places of hope in our Diocese is St Carthage’s Cathedral, Lismore.
To receive the indulgence, the following conditions must be met:
- Detachment from all sin, even venial sin;
- Sacramental Confession (Reconciliation);
- Holy Communion;
- Prayer for the intentions of the Pope.
For more help and guidance on how to receive a Plenary Indulgence, please get in touch with your local Parish or contact the Chancery: chancery@lismore.catholic.org.au
