In honor of the Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year, Campus Minister Kelly Allen and Father Rick Stansberry have planned a Eucharistic Procession throughout the school for 9:40 a.m. Feb. 25. 

The Jubilee year is a biblical and historical tradition that comes from the Old Testament, specifically the Book of Leviticus. This year is a year of restoration, grace and forgiveness. The theme of the Jubilee Year 2025 is being pilgrims of hope. 

In the book of Leviticus God commanded the Israelites to observe a Jubilee year every 50 years. In that year, they must not plant or harvest. It was called the year of rest, and it allowed the soil to rest and the people to not focus on farming but on their spiritual lives. To ensure that no one was in debt their whole life, all debts were also forgiven during the Jubilee year. If land were sold to pay off debt, it also had to be returned to its original owner. If any Israelite were sold into slavery to pay off debt, they were set free. 

Throughout the world Christians celebrate the Jubilee year in many different ways. Catholics take pilgrimages to Holy sites such as the Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica and the “Holy Doors.” The Holy Doors are special doors in cathedrals and churches designed and dedicated to the Jubilee year. It is also the year of Indulgences, which are a temporary suspension of punishment for sins. People can gain indulgences through acts of penance, charity and piety.

Catholics also focus on Acts of Mercy, prayer and repentance throughout the Jubilee year. Additionally, it is a time for reflection on Social Justice. It is meant to be a period where people reflect on the importance of Justice in the world and how they can promote equality and help people. Catholics can attend special Masses throughout the year. 

The Jubilee year is an important year in the Catholic Church. While many people are planning on traveling to Rome and Italy to celebrate, it is a busy and crowded time. 

“The Jubilee year is a very crowded and busy time in Rome,” Stansberry said. “It’s a beautiful time, but I am not going this year.”