The concept of the Jubilee Year has deep roots in both religious and historical traditions, originating in ancient Jewish law and later adapted by the Christian Church. In the Hebrew Bible, the Jubilee was established in the Book of Leviticus (25:8-55), where it was decreed to occur every fiftieth year. This special year was marked by the release of slaves, the forgiveness of debts, and the return of ancestral lands to their original owners. It was meant to restore economic and social balance within Israelite society, ensuring that wealth and property did not become permanently concentrated in the hands of a few. The Jubilee was announced with the blowing of a ram’s horn (shofar) on the Day of Atonement, symbolizing spiritual and economic renewal.

The concept of a Jubilee was later adopted and transformed by the Catholic Church in the 14th century. In 1300, Pope Boniface VIII instituted the first Christian Jubilee Year, originally intended as a once-in-a-century event offering pilgrims a plenary indulgence—complete remission of sins—if they visited the major basilicas in Rome. However, due to its immense popularity, subsequent popes reduced the interval between Jubilees. In 1350, Pope Clement VI declared another Jubilee, followed by others at intervals of 50, 33, and eventually 25 years, which became the standard cycle.

Over time, the Christian Jubilee became an important event in the life of the Church, drawing pilgrims from across the world. The tradition included special prayers, acts of penance, and the opening of the Holy Doors of Rome’s four major basilicas: St. Peter’s, St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and Santa Maria Maggiore. The doors, normally sealed, are opened only during a Jubilee to symbolize a path of renewal and grace for the faithful. Extraordinary Jubilees, held outside the regular 25-year cycle, have also been proclaimed, such as the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 by Pope John Paul II and the Jubilee of Mercy in 2015-2016 by Pope Francis.
The Jubilee Year has had significant religious, social, and historical impacts beyond the Church. It has inspired broader themes of justice, mercy, and renewal in both religious and secular contexts. In modern times, the idea of Jubilee has been invoked for debt relief movements, particularly for impoverished nations burdened by unsustainable financial obligations. The concept’s enduring legacy reflects a fundamental human aspiration for forgiveness, fairness, and fresh beginnings, demonstrating its relevance across different eras and cultures.

Today, the Jubilee remains a deeply meaningful event for Catholics worldwide, serving as a time of spiritual reflection and communal celebration. As the Church continues to observe these Holy Years, the tradition of the Jubilee endures as a powerful reminder of faith, renewal, and the timeless call to justice.

Participating in the Jubilee Year is an opportunity for spiritual renewal, personal growth, and a deeper connection with faith. The Jubilee is a special time in the Church, offering plenary indulgences, forgiveness, and a chance to start anew. It encourages believers to seek reconciliation, not only with God but also with others, fostering a spirit of mercy and unity. By engaging in the prayers, pilgrimages, and acts of charity associated with the Jubilee, we open ourselves to grace and transformation, strengthening our faith and commitment to living a life of holiness.
Beyond personal spirituality, the Jubilee Year calls us to serve and uplift those in need. Rooted in biblical traditions of debt forgiveness and social justice, the Jubilee reminds us of the importance of compassion and generosity. It is a time to examine our role in society, helping the poor, supporting those who are struggling, and promoting fairness and justice. By participating, we not only grow closer to God but also fulfill the Christian mission to love and care for our neighbors in meaningful ways.

The Jubilee also fosters a sense of global unity and pilgrimage, as millions of believers from all over the world come together to celebrate their faith. Whether visiting the Holy Doors of major basilicas or engaging in local religious activities, participation connects us to a larger faith community, reminding us that we are part of something greater than ourselves. This shared experience strengthens the bonds of the Church, creating a renewed sense of belonging and solidarity among believers.
Lastly, the Jubilee Year is a reminder that life offers us second chances and new beginnings. It invites us to reflect on our lives, let go of past burdens, and embrace a future filled with faith and hope. Whether through confession, acts of kindness, or deeper prayer, the Jubilee allows us to step forward with renewed purpose and a cleansed heart. By participating, we embrace the profound message of the Jubilee—that God’s mercy is infinite and that renewal is always possible for those who seek it.

During the Jubilee Year, the Catholic Church grants plenary indulgences, offering the faithful a unique opportunity to receive complete remission of temporal punishment due to sin. To obtain a plenary indulgence, one must fulfill the following conditions: receive the sacrament of confession, participate in the Eucharist, pray for the Pope’s intentions, and be free from all attachment to sin—even venial sin. Traditionally, during a Jubilee Year, indulgences are granted to those who make a pilgrimage to designated Holy Sites, such as the four major basilicas in Rome or local diocesan cathedrals where special Jubilee Doors have been opened. This indulgence is a profound gift that allows the faithful to fully experience God’s mercy and grace, reinforcing their journey toward spiritual renewal.

For those who are sick, elderly, or homebound, the Church extends special provisions to ensure they, too, can receive a plenary indulgence. Since they may be unable to physically travel to pilgrimage sites, they can instead unite their sufferings with Christ, offer prayers, and participate in the Holy Mass or spiritual exercises through television, radio, or online broadcasts. The Church recognizes that those who are ill or in fragile health can still engage in the Jubilee’s spirit of repentance and faith, making it possible for them to fully participate from wherever they are. This adaptation ensures that no one is excluded from receiving God’s abundant grace.

A particularly moving aspect of plenary indulgences is that they can be offered for deceased loved ones. Since indulgences help remit temporal punishment, faithful Catholics can choose to apply them not only for themselves but also for souls in purgatory, helping to speed their journey toward heaven. This act of charity and intercession reflects the deep communion between the living and the dead within the Church. By praying for the deceased and fulfilling the required conditions of the indulgence in their name, we extend God’s mercy beyond our own lives, offering hope and assistance to those who have passed before us.

The virtue of plenary indulgences lies in their call to holiness, penance, and detachment from sin. They encourage believers to embrace a life of grace, strengthen their relationship with God, and engage in acts of devotion and charity. By participating in the Jubilee Year’s indulgence, we are reminded of the transformative power of God’s mercy and the importance of continual spiritual renewal. The indulgence is not just about personal benefit; it is a reflection of the Church’s mission to lead all souls toward salvation, inspiring acts of love, forgiveness, and devotion in the faithful.

During the Jubilee Year 2025, the Diocese of Des Moines has designated five churches as official pilgrimage sites, inviting the faithful to embark on spiritual journeys to these sacred locations. In Des Moines, pilgrims can visit St. Ambrose Cathedral, the Basilica of St. John, and Christ the King Church. Each of these churches offers unique opportunities for worship, reflection, and participation in the Jubilee's special graces.

Beyond the capital city, the diocese has also designated Ss. Peter & Paul Church in Atlantic and Corpus Christi Church in Council Bluffs as pilgrimage destinations. These sites provide additional opportunities for the faithful throughout the region to engage deeply with the Jubilee's theme of hope and renewal. 

To enrich the pilgrimage experience, each designated church offers "passport" postcards that pilgrims can stamp upon their visit. Those who journey to all five sites are encouraged to share their completed passports with the diocese, either by posting a picture on social media and tagging @dmdiocese or by sending a photo to [email protected]. In recognition, participants will receive a book by Pope Francis to support their continued faith journey.

As part of the Jubilee Year 2025 celebrations, the Diocese of Des Moines has introduced a unique pilgrimage passport stamp program to encourage the faithful to visit designated pilgrimage sites. Pilgrims who travel to the five designated churches—St. Ambrose Cathedral, the Basilica of St. John, Christ the King Church (Des Moines), Ss. Peter & Paul Church (Atlantic), and Corpus Christi Church (Council Bluffs)—can collect a special passport postcard at each location. These postcards serve as a spiritual record of the pilgrim’s journey, allowing them to reflect on their experiences of prayer, renewal, and grace at each site. This initiative aligns with the Jubilee's emphasis on pilgrimage as a path to deeper faith, inviting Catholics to step outside their routine and encounter God through sacred places.

Once pilgrims have visited all five designated sites and collected their stamps, they are encouraged to share their completed passports with the diocese. They can do this by either posting a picture on social media and tagging @dmdiocese or by sending a photo to [email protected]. As a token of recognition, those who complete the pilgrimage will receive a special book by Pope Francis, further enriching their spiritual journey. This program not only deepens the personal experience of the Jubilee but also fosters a sense of community and shared faith within the diocese, as pilgrims across Iowa unite in this sacred tradition of renewal and reflection.