Visit the CCCB site HERE for more Jubilee Resources
“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.
Visit the CCCB site HERE for more Jubilee Resources
«Jubilé» est le nom d’une année particulière: il semble dériver de l’instrument utilisé pour en indiquer le début; il s’agit du yobel, la corne de mouton, dont le son annonce le Jour de l’Expiation (Yom Kippour). Cette fête a lieu chaque année, mais elle prend une signification particulière quand elle coïncide avec le début de l’année jubilaire. On en retrouve une première idée dans la Bible: il devait être convoqué tous les 50 ans, car c’était l’année «supplémentaire», à vivre toutes les sept semaines d’années (cf. Lv 25,8-13). Bien que difficile à réaliser, il était proposé comme l’occasion de rétablir le rapport correct avec Dieu, entre les personnes et avec la création, et impliquait la remise des dettes, la restitution des terres aliénées et le repos de la terre.
En citant le prophète Isaïe, l’évangile selon St. Luc décrit ainsi aussi la mission de Jésus: «L’Esprit du Seigneur est au-dessus de moi; c’est pourquoi il m’a consacré par l’onction et m’a envoyé porter aux pauvres l’annonce heureuse, à proclamer aux prisonniers la libération et aux aveugles la vue; à remettre en liberté les opprimés, à proclamer l’année de grâce du Seigneur» (Lc 4, 18-19 ; cf. Is 61,1-2). Ces paroles de Jésus sont également devenues des actions de libération et de conversion dans le quotidien de ses rencontres et de ses relations.
Boniface VIII en 1300 a convoqué le premier Jubilé, également appelé «Année Sainte», parce que c’est un temps où l’on expérimente que la sainteté de Dieu nous transforme. La cadence a changé au fil du temps: au début, tous les 100 ans; elle est réduite à 50 ans en 1343 par Clément VI et à 25 ans en 1470 par Paul II. Il y a aussi des moments «extraordinaires» : par exemple, en 1933, Pie XI a voulu rappeler l’anniversaire de la Rédemption et en 2015, le pape François a lancé l’Année de la Miséricorde. La manière de célébrer cette année a également été différente: à l’origine, elle coïncidait avec la visite aux Basiliques romaines de Saint Pierre et de Saint Paul, puis avec le pèlerinage, par la suite d’autres signes ont éété ajoutés, comme celui de la Porte Sainte. En participant à l’Année Sainte, on vit l’indulgence plénière.
The Four Constitutions of Vatican II
In preparation for the Ordinary Jubilee in 2025, the year 2023 was dedicated to Vatican II. The CCCB Office for Evangelization and Catechesis hosted the webinar series titled, “The Four Constitutions of Vatican II,” inviting the faithful to reflect on the meaning of these documents for the life of the Church today.
- Msgr. Kroetsch told us that one principle that emerged from the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy is that the liturgy is the work of Christ which is accomplished
By the paschal mystery of his blessed passion, resurrection from the dead and glorious ascension, whereby “dying, he destroyed our death and, rising, he restored our life.” (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 5)
How does this principle inform my participation in liturgical celebrations? How can I better actively participate in liturgical celebrations?
- What impact did the Liturgical Movement, which began in the 19th Century, have on the liturgical reforms prescribed by Sacrosanctum Concilium?
- Msgr. Kroetsch said that the Council Fathers taught us that Christ is present in the Mass in four ways:
- In the Minister,
- In the Eucharistic Species,
- In the Word of God Proclaimed and
- In the Words and Deeds of the Assembly. (Cf. Sacrosanctum Concilium, 7)
How can I deepen my relationship with Jesus at Mass by reflecting on his presence in the Eucharist, in the priest, in the readings and in the actions of the people? In what ways does my ministry reflect the truth of Christ’s presence in these four ways?
- Msgr. Kroetsch said that “the Liturgy is the summit and source of the Christian life”. Further, Msgr. Kroetsch quoted the Sacred Constitution on the Liturgy,
The liturgy is the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed; at the same time it is the font from which all her power flows. For the aim of apostolic works is that all who are made sons [sic] of God by faith and baptism should come together to praise God in the midst of his Church, to take part in the sacrifice, and to eat the Lord’s Supper. (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 10)
How do I prepare myself for Mass? In the context of my ministry, how might I help and encourage others to prepare for full, conscious and active participation (cf. Sacrosanctum Concilium, 14) in the Liturgy of the Church?
- On the place of scripture in the Liturgy, Msgr. Kroetsch quoted the Council,
Sacred Scripture is of the greatest importance in the celebration of the liturgy. For it is from scripture that lessons are read and explained in the homily, and psalms are sung; the prayers, collects and liturgical songs are scriptural in their inspiration and their force, and it is from the scriptures that actions and signs derive their meaning. (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 24)
How can I use scripture to prepare for Mass? What role does scripture play in my life and in my ministry? What opportunities exist in my community to engage in Lectio Divina or bible study?
- Msgr. Kroetsch said that “all the baptized are called to celebrate the Liturgy”. The Liturgy, as the prayer of the Church, includes not only the Mass but also Morning/Evening Prayer and the Liturgy of the Hours, Reconciliation and the other Sacraments, liturgical blessings, etc.
How could I more fully answer my call to participate actively in the Liturgy? In the context of my ministry, how might I encourage the active participation in the Liturgy in all its forms?
- In his conclusion, Msgr. Kroetsch suggested that the future agenda of the Church should include “restoring Sunday to its place of primacy, not only in our liturgical calendar but in the lives of the Catholic people.”
How do I keep Sunday as a day set aside for God, my family, my church community and also for rest? Are there ways I could better observe Sunday as a holy day?
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- Sr. Geernaert quoted the opening paragraph of the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World,
The joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the men [sic] of this age, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted, these are the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the followers of Christ. Indeed, nothing genuinely human fails to raise an echo in their hearts. For theirs is a community composed of men…. [sic] (Gaudium et Spes, 1)
How does my heart echo the joys, hopes, griefs and anxieties of the baptized? How can I, in the context of my life or ministry, respond to the call to accompany others, especially those in spiritual or material need, in a journey led by the Holy Spirit?
- While speaking about discerning the signs of the times, Sr. Geernaert quoted the Pastoral Constitution:
The Church has always had the duty of scrutinizing the signs of the times and of interpreting them in the light of the Gospel. Thus, in language intelligible to each generation, she can respond to the perennial questions which men [sic] ask about this present life and the life to come, and about the relationship of the one to the other. We must therefore recognize and understand the world in which we live, its explanations, its longings, and its often dramatic characteristics. (Gaudium et Spes, 4)
What does it mean to respond to deep questions about life and the afterlife in language intelligible to this generation? In the context of my life or ministry, how can I better recognize and understand the world so that I can proclaim the Gospel message?
- Sr. Geernaert, while speaking on the relationship between the Church and the world, quoted the Pastoral Constitution,
While helping the world and receiving many benefits from it, the Church has a single intention: that God’s kingdom may come, and that the salvation of the whole human race may come to pass. For every benefit which the People of God during its earthly pilgrimage can offer to the human family stems from the fact that the Church is “the universal sacrament of salvation”, simultaneously manifesting and exercising the mystery of God’s love. (Gaudium et Spes, 45)
- All vocations and ministries in the Church prepare for the coming of God’s kingdom. What role do I play in this reality in the context of my life or ministry?
- While speaking on Christian involvement in the world, Sr. Geernaert explained that Vatican II taught that the Christian call to holiness is universal.
How can I better respond to the universal call to holiness in a way that allows the Gospel message to shine through my life?
- Sr. Geernaert highlighted the importance of Gaudium et Spes for Pope Francis by explaining connections to it across his Pontificate, from his Apostolic Letter Evangelii Gaudium issued in the first year of his pontificate to the current Synod on Synodality. She quoted from that Apostolic Letter:
The People of God is incarnate in the peoples of the earth, each of which has its own culture. The concept of culture is valuable for grasping the various expressions of the Christian life present in God’s people.… This is due to the fact that the human person, “by nature stands completely in need of life in society” and always exists in reference to society, finding there a concrete way of relating to reality …. Grace supposes culture, and God’s gift becomes flesh in the culture of those who receive it. (Evangelii Gaudium, 115)
In what unique ways does the culture of the people in my particular church express the Christian life? How can I make use of these unique expressions?
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- Bishop Mathieu reflected on the opening words of the Constitution:
“We announce to you the eternal life which dwelt with the Father and was made visible to us. What we have seen and heard we announce to you, so that you may have fellowship with us and our common fellowship be with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:2-3). (Dei Verbum, 1)
The fullness of God’s revelation to us comes in the person of Jesus Christ, not in the form of a bank of information. In this model of divine revelation, God is the only “source” of revelation which is meant for all ages and all peoples. It is for this reason that Jesus created a missionary Church. How might I better actively participate in the Church as a missionary disciple?
- Bishop Mathieu quoted the Constitution:
Sacred tradition, Sacred Scripture and the teaching authority of the Church, in accord with God’s most wise design, are so linked and joined together that one cannot stand without the others, and that all together and each in its own way under the action of the one Holy Spirit contribute effectively to the salvation of souls. (Dei Verbum, 10)
What are some instances of my engagement with Sacred Tradition, Sacred Scripture and the Magisterium? How might I better emphasize the connectedness of these realities?
- Bishop Mathieu reflected on the Constitution which says that
The books of Scripture must be acknowledged as teaching solidly, faithfully and without error that truth which God wanted put into sacred writings for the sake of salvation. (Dei Verbum, 11)
There are many different ways to engage in scripture study, from a formal course or degree to bible studies at a parish or among friends. What opportunities do I have to engage in scripture study so that I might better understand the Word of God?
- Bishop Mathieu reminded us that the effect of scripture on the faithful is an important part of Divine Revelation.
How can I more deeply reflect on the scripture as read at Mass? What opportunities do I have to engage in Lectio Divina and other kinds of reflections on scripture?
A Great Symphony of Prayer: The Our Father as a Programme of Life
In spring 2024, the CCCB Ad hoc Committee for the Preparation for the Jubilee 2025 hosted the first part of a two-part webinar series titled, “A Great Symphony of Prayer”, enabling the faithful one meaningful way to participate in the Year of Prayer which was announced by Pope Francis on 21 January 2024.
Excerpted from On Earth as it is in Heaven by Dr. Lombardi:
“Petition 1. Hallowed be your name” (p.34):
- How do you show honour to God’s name?
- How do you live out your call to holiness?
- In your family?
- In your workplace?
- As a volunteer?
Excerpted from On Earth as it is in Heaven by Dr. Lombardi:
“Petition 4. Give us this day our daily bread” (p.63):
- How do spiritual blessings, word and sacrament, strengthen and encourage you?
- How does your community address the social needs of its members? Of people in other parts of the world?
- Think of ways you and your family can contribute to the cause of justice, including religious freedom.
Excerpted from On Earth as it is in Heaven by Dr. Lombardi:
“Petition 5. And forgive us our debts as we have also forgiven our debtors” (p.85):
- What is your understanding of forgiveness?
- Does it help you to see forgiveness as a process?
- Which areas in your life need more understanding?
- What do you think about the connection between health and emotions?
Excerpted from On Earth as it is in Heaven by Dr. Lombardi:
“Petition 2. Your Kingdom Come” (p. 41):
- What is your understanding of God’s kingdom? Is it something we can experience in the present?
- How have you invited God’s kingdom into your family, your workplace, your community?
- What needs to happen for your community to be a foretaste of God’s kingdom?
Excerpted from On Earth as it is in Heaven by Dr. Lombardi:
“Petition 3. Your will be done as it is in heaven” (p.54)
- What is your understanding of God’s will on earth?
- Do your trust God?
- What are some obstacles that prevent from doing God’s will?
Excerpted from On Earth as it is in Heaven by Dr. Lombardi:
“Petition 6. And do not bring us to the time of trial” (p. 97):
- How do you understand temptation?
- What has been “a time of trial” for you?
- How did you find your way through it?
- How did you cope?
- What are the spiritual implications of addiction?
Excerpted from On Earth as it is in Heaven by Dr. Lombardi:
“Petition 7. Rescue us from the evil one” (p. 115):
- How do you understand evil?
- What is the source of evil?
- How do you deal with fear and negative thinking?
