Pope Francis has called for 2025 to be a year of Jubilee, and Cardinal Nichols has chosen Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane to be one of the Jubilee churches for the Diocese of Westminster.
What is a Jubilee?
“Jubilee” is the name given to a particular year; the name comes from the instrument used to mark its launch. In this case, the instrument in question is the yobel, the ram’s horn, used to proclaim the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). This (Jewish) holiday occurs every year, but it takes on special significance when it marks the beginning of a Jubilee year. We can find an early indication of it in the Bible: a Jubilee year was to be marked every 50 years, since this would be an “extra” year, one which would happen every seven weeks of seven years, i.e., every 49 years (cf. Leviticus 25:8-13). Even though it wasn’t easy to organise, it was intended to be marked as a time to re-establish a proper relationship with God, with one another, and with all of creation, and involved the forgiveness of debts, the return of misappropriated land, and a fallow period for the fields.
Quoting the prophet Isaiah, the Gospel of Luke describes Jesus’ mission in this way: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord,” (Luke 4:18-19; cf. Isaiah 61:1-2). Jesus lives out these words in his daily life, in his encounters with others and in his relationships, all of which bring about liberation and conversion.
In 1300, Pope Boniface VIII called the first Jubilee, also known as a
“Holy Year,” since it is a time in which God’s holiness transforms us. The frequency of Holy Years has changed over time: at first, they were celebrated every 100 years; later, in 1343 Pope Clement VI reduced the gap between Jubilees to every 50 years, and in 1470 Pope Paul II made it every 25 years. There have also been “extraordinary” Holy Years: for example, in 1933 Pope Pius XI chose to commemorate the 1900th anniversary of the Redemption, and in 2015 Pope Francis proclaimed the Year of Mercy as an extraordinary jubilee. The way in which Jubilee Years are marked has also changed through the centuries: originally the Holy Year consisted of a pilgrimage to the Roman Basilicas of St. Peter and St. Paul, later other signs were added, such as the Holy Door. By participating in the Holy Year, one is granted a plenary indulgence.
What are the Jubilee Indulgences?
In his Bull announcing the Jubilee, Pope Francis explains that Indulgences are “a way of discovering the unlimited nature of God’s mercy… As we know from personal experience, every sin “leaves its mark”. Sin has consequences, not only outwardly in the effects of the wrong we do, but also inwardly, inasmuch as “every sin, even venial, entails an unhealthy attachment to creatures, which must be purified either here on earth, or after death, in the state called Purgatory”. In our humanity, weak and attracted by evil, certain residual effects of sin remain. These are removed by the indulgence, always by the grace of Christ, who, as Saint Paul VI wrote, “is himself our ‘indulgence’”.”
During this Jubilee year, there are ways to gain Plenary Indulgences which are not normally attainable in ordinary years. You can find out more about what Indulgences are and how to attain these special Jubilee Plenary Indulgences here at Corpus Christi by clicking here.
Why do I need to come to Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane?
Traditionally, the graces and Indulgences associated with a Jubilee year could only be attained by making a Pilgrimage to Rome, and visiting the specific holy sites that had been designated by the Holy Father. Pope Francis, recognising the limitations that exist for many in being able to make the journey to Rome, has enabled the Indulgences to be attainable in certain churches that have been designated by the diocesan bishop.
Cardinal Nichols has designated Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane to be one of these churches in the Diocese of Westminster. Therefore, by making a special pilgrimage to this Shrine, you too are able to take an active part in the Jubilee, and attain the many graces that are on offer!
What will Corpus Christi be doing differently?
During the course of the year, there will be particular opportunities to engage in the Jubilee more specifically, in addition to our regular schedule of Masses, Confessions, and Adoration. Particular Masses for the Holy Year will be celebrated, as well as other liturgies. Keep an eye on this page, as well as the Shrine’s newsletter and social media for updates to the programme as it develops.
A special Shrine Pilgrimage has been developed, which you can take part in either individually, or as part of a group, at any time that the Shrine is open. You can simply access this on your mobile by scanning the QR Codes posted around the Shrine, or by visiting maidenlanejubilee.co.uk