As Pope Leo XIV began a new cycle of catechesis at the start of this new year, now focusing on Vatican II, he also noted the graces of the Jubilee Year 2025.
In greetings to various language groups, the Holy Father offered some concrete suggestions on how to keep the Jubilee spirit alive.
1Don't let hope die
First off, as the Jubilee was centered on the theme of Pilgrims of Hope, our first task is to keep hope alive.
With hope burning strong and helping us confront the difficulties of daily life, we will naturally be missionaries.
Here's what Pope Leo said:
At the end of this jubilee year, aware that we have experienced a time of grace, let us not allow the hope that dwells within us to die, but may it lead us to encounter all people and proclaim to them the good news of salvation.
2Give thanks
While we look to the future, we should not cease to give thanks to God for all the graces of the jubilee. Both for those who were able to make a pilgrimage to Rome, and those who lived the jubilee in the local Churches, it was a time of grace.
Pope Leo said:
After the Holy Year came to an end yesterday with the closing of the Holy Door, let us thank the Lord for the graces he has given us during this special time. May they help us to continue our journey of faith with hope in the new year.
3Pray for Christian witness
The fruits of the jubilee should be visible both in our personal lives and in the Church. For this, we should pray.
Pope Leo said:
Let us pray to the Lord that the spiritual fruits of the recently concluded Jubilee may sustain the witness of Christians, called to be promoters of justice and peace in holiness.
4Open the doors!
While Pope Leo closed the final Holy Door in Rome on January 6, he urged that we keep the doors of our hearts and homes open. Specifically, he noted how priests can bring blessings into our homes with blessings.
Here's what he said:
May the doors of your hearts and homes remain open to Christ. I join in prayer with the priests who bring God's blessing to your homes, to your families, to the sick, and to those who are alone. I bless you all!
