Global Participation in the Jubilee 2025

Engaging Locally in the Jubilee

A fundamental aspect of the Jubilee is its universal appeal. Pope Francis insists that the Jubilee must be accessible to all, irrespective of one's ability to travel to Rome. Each diocese globally can designate Jubilee Churches, enabling the faithful to pass through a Holy Door and gain the Plenary Indulgence as they would at St. Peter’s in the Vatican or other Roman basilicas.

Jubilee Churches, often cathedrals or Marian shrines, become the centers for local Jubilee celebrations. The faithful can engage in these events, confess, partake in the Eucharist, and pray for the Pope's intentions, just as they might during a pilgrimage to Rome. This fosters an equally profound spiritual experience without the need for international travel.

To discover how to locate and participate in events at local Jubilee Churches, refer to our dedicated guide.

How to Receive the Plenary Indulgence Locally

Anche senza recarsi a Roma, i cattolici possono ottenere l'Indulgenza plenaria partecipando a specifici riti e compiendo atti di penitenza e carità. La Chiesa offre diverse modalità per ottenere l'indulgenza durante il Giubileo:

1. Attraversamento della Porta Santa: Come menzionato, le Porte Sante non si trovano solo a Roma. Molte diocesi hanno la loro Porta Santa, che i fedeli possono attraversare per ottenere l'indulgenza.

2. Partecipazione alle Celebrazioni Liturgiche: Partecipare a una Messa giubilare, soprattutto nelle Chiese designate, e compiere i gesti di devozione richiesti, come la confessione e la comunione, permette di ottenere l'indulgenza.

3. Preghiera e Opere di Misericordia: I fedeli che non possono muoversi, come gli ammalati, possono ottenere l'indulgenza recitando preghiere specifiche per il Giubileo e offrendo le loro sofferenze a Dio. Inoltre, compiere opere di misericordia, come visitare i malati o aiutare i poveri, è un altro modo per partecipare al Giubileo e ottenere l'indulgenza.

Esplora il significato delle indulgenze durante il Giubileo e come ottenerle nella tua comunità.

Without traveling to Rome, Catholics can still obtain the Plenary Indulgence by engaging in specific rites and acts of penance and charity. The Church facilitates various avenues to secure the indulgence during the Jubilee:

1. Crossing the Holy Door: Contrary to popular belief, Holy Doors extend beyond Rome. Many dioceses maintain their own Holy Doors, accessible for the faithful to obtain the indulgence.

2. Participating in Liturgical Celebrations: Attending a Jubilee Mass, especially at Jubilee Churches, and fulfilling the required devotional acts—such as confession and communion—grant the indulgence.

3. Prayer and Acts of Mercy: Those unable to move, like the ill, can gain the indulgence by reciting specific Jubilee prayers and offering up their sufferings to God. Additionally, engaging in acts of mercy, like visiting the sick or aiding the impoverished, serves as another venue to participate in the Jubilee and secure the indulgence.

Explore the significance of indulgences during the Jubilee and how to obtain them within your community.

Experiencing the Jubilee through Media

For those unable to travel, media serve as a continuous open window to Rome and the key events of the Jubilee. The Holy See and many dioceses provide live streaming of critical celebrations such as the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s and Masses led by the Pope. These broadcasts allow the faithful to participate virtually in the celebrations, aligning their prayers with those of millions of Catholics globally.

Moreover, social media and official Vatican websites offer ongoing updates about Jubilee happenings, supplying reflection and prayer resources that the faithful can use in their homes or parishes.

Local and Regional Pilgrimages

Experiencing the Jubilee without traveling to Rome can also be accomplished through local or regional pilgrimages. Many dioceses organize journeys to Marian shrines, historic churches, or other significant devotion sites during the Holy Year. These pilgrimages provide opportunities for reflection, communal celebration, and acts of penance within a prayerful context.

Although closer to home, these pilgrimages are equally significant as international ones and allow for a profound and communal Jubilee experience.

The Communion of Saints: Uniting in Prayer

The Jubilee also reinforces the communion of saints—the spiritual solidarity among all believers—by uniting the faithful worldwide in prayer. The global unity this represents is crucial during the Holy Year, as every prayer, act of charity, and sacrifice by a believer contributes to the welfare of the universal Church.

Participating in the Jubilee thus means feeling part of a vast community of believers, embarked on the same faith journey, despite being separated by great distances.

Conclusion

The 2025 Jubilee transcends geographical boundaries, inviting all Catholics to partake, no matter where they are located. Whether by crossing a Holy Door in a local church, engaging in liturgical celebrations transmitted online, or engaging in acts of mercy in one's community, every believer can fully engage with the Jubilee's spiritual journey. It is possible to obtain the Plenary Indulgence and actively partake in this period of grace and spiritual renewal, even without traveling to Rome.

For more information on how to live the Jubilee in your community, explore our resources on obtaining the plenary indulgence and participating in local Jubilee celebrations. These tools will enable you to experience a meaningful Jubilee, even from afar.