Celebrating the Jubilee Year in the Diocese of Cork and Ross
The Diocese of Cork and Ross joins the universal Church in celebrating the Jubilee Year 2025, proclaimed by Pope Francis with the theme "Pilgrims of Hope."
Rooted in the ancient biblical tradition of jubilees, this sacred year invites all Catholics to a time of pilgrimage, prayer, reconciliation, and spiritual renewal.
The Jubilee Year is a unique moment of grace in the life of the Church, occurring every 25 years. It is a time for the faithful to come together in unity, to reflect on God’s mercy, and to deepen our commitment to living as witnesses of Christ’s hope in the world.
What Does the Jubilee Year Mean for Us?
Pilgrims at Gougane Barra for the annual Gougane Sunday MassPhoto: Sheila Kelleher | Diocese of Cork and Ross
In his Apostolic Bull Spes Non Confundit ("Hope Does Not Disappoint"), Pope Francis has called the entire Church to journey as Pilgrims of Hope:
"In a world torn apart by suffering, wars, and challenges, the Jubilee Year reminds us that God is always faithful, calling us to be instruments of His peace and hope."
As pilgrims, we are invited to walk together in faith, renewing our relationship with God, one another, and creation.
Key Events in the Diocese of Cork and Ross
Throughout 2025, there will be many opportunities to celebrate this holy year.
1. Launch of the Jubilee Year in Cork and Ross: Sunday January 5, 2025
The Jubilee Year will be formally launched in our diocese on the Second Sunday of Christmas, January 5th, 2025, with the 11.30am Mass at the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne. This celebration marks the beginning of our diocesan journey as Pilgrims of Hope.
2. Local Pilgrimage to Gougane Barra
Gougane Barra, a place of deep spiritual significance, will be our Diocesan place for pilgrimage. Throughout the year, people will be invited to go on their own pilgrimages to Gougane Barra, as well as taking part in the diocesan pilgrimage in September.
3. Jubilee of Consecrated Life
The Jubilee of Consecrated Life in Cork and Ross will take place on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. We will celebrate together at the 11.30am Mass on Sunday, February 2nd in the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne.
4. Jubilee of Young People in Rome
Pope Francis has called young people from around the world to participate in the Jubilee of Young People in Rome, late July to early August 2025. This international gathering will be a moment of faith, joy, and communion with the Holy Father.
Parishes are encouraged to promote this opportunity and support young pilgrims in their preparations for this extraordinary experience of the universal Church. Contact Sheila Kelleher (Coordinator for Youth Ministry) for further information.
5. Integration with the Year of Prayer, Listening, and Discernment
The Jubilee Year aligns with our diocesan Year of Prayer, Listening, and Discernment. Together, these initiatives call us to renew our focus on the Holy Spirit’s presence, guiding us as individuals and as a Church.
Throughout 2025, the theme "Pilgrims of Hope" will be incorporated into parish initiatives, pastoral meetings, and liturgical celebrations.
6. Eucharistic Procession
The Eucharistic Procession from the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne will also have Pilgrims of Hope as its theme.
7. The Grace of Plenary Indulgences
One of the great spiritual gifts of the Jubilee Year is the opportunity to receive a plenary indulgence, which is a special grace for the forgiveness of temporal punishment due to sin. Pope Francis has outlined the three main ways to receive the indulgence conditions for obtaining this indulgence:
Performing a Jubilee work:
- Participating in a pilgrimage to a designated holy site (e.g., our Diocesan pilgrimage site is Gougane Barra).
- Engaging in acts of charity or mercy, such as serving those in need.
- Attending Jubilee celebrations or participating in moments of Eucharistic adoration.
The conditions for obtaining the indulgence are:
- Sacramental Confession: Being in a state of grace through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
- Reception of the Holy Eucharist.
- Prayer for the Intentions of the Holy Father (e.g., the Creed, Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be).
These conditions invite us to experience God’s mercy and love in a deeper way, transforming our hearts and lives, thereby becoming “pilgrims of hope” in this Jubilee Year.
Becoming Pilgrims of Hope
The Jubilee Year is a call to all of us - families of parishes, families, individuals, clergy, and religious - to rediscover hope and to share it with a world in need.
How can your parish participate?
- Parishes are encouraged to explore local opportunities for pilgrimage and prayerful gatherings, fostering unity and renewal, especially in the local shrines and places of pilgrimage which have been part of our local faith story for generations.
- Foster opportunities for reconciliation and Eucharistic devotion.
- Support young people in their faith journey and preparations for the Jubilee of Young People.
- Collaborate with diocesan events, such as the pilgrimage to Gougane Barra.
We invite all parishes, pastoral councils, and communities to prayerfully consider ways to embrace the theme of "Pilgrims of Hope" throughout the year.
Resources and Updates
More information, resources, and updates about the Jubilee Year will be shared on our Diocesan website and through parish communications.
Let us journey together as Pilgrims of Hope, trusting in the Lord’s mercy and celebrating His presence among us.
