“When one door closes, another opens.” The well-known saying reminds us to look forward to new paths ahead. For Catholics around the world and here in Green Bay, the door that’s closing is not just your ordinary door. It’s a Holy Door at a revered holy site. The Vatican will close the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica on Jan. 6, marking the end of a year of mercy and conversion. The theme of the 2025 Jubilee Year was “Pilgrims of Hope.”
A Holy Year is a Time of Grace
Millions of people took pilgrimages to Rome this year to renew their faith and walk through the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica and Rome’s other major basilicas. Walking through a Holy Door is a tangible way to celebrate the Holy Year. A Holy Year, also known as a Jubilee Year, is a time of extraordinary grace. The Catholic Church typically celebrates a Jubilee Year every 25 years, and it’s a time of reconciliation and pilgrimages.
Unity with Catholics Around the World
One special thing about Jubilee Year 2025 is unity. We grew closer to Catholics around the world this year. On the Jubilee 2025 website, The Jubilee Prayer is translated into 20 different languages. While the words may be different, all of the prayers have the same meaning. We are united in prayer with Catholics near and far, and our shared faith deepens our sense of community with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Pilgrimages for Jubilee Year 2025
Many of us didn’t go on pilgrimages to Rome, so we celebrated the Jubilee Year in our home diocese and parishes. At Masses this year, we prayed the Jubilee Prayer written by Pope Francis before he passed away. The prayer speaks of reawakening hope for the coming of God’s kingdom, being transformed by God’s Word, and spreading God’s joy and peace throughout the earth. What a beautiful message from Pope Francis. But he didn’t just write pretty words. No, he challenges us to act on these words.
What it Means to be Pilgrims of Hope
For Anchor of Hope TEC, the Jubilee Year held special meaning because of the theme, “Pilgrims of Hope.” At our weekend retreats, we often talk about hope that comes from God. Christian hope is an active, powerful force that sustains us through challenging times. Faith and hope are our anchors in life’s storms. Our motto says it well: “Need a rock-solid anchor in life? Center yourself on Christ.”
Join Us March 20-22 at the TEC Retreat
As the Holy Door closes on Jubilee Year 2025, we take a new path forward. TEC 286 will lead us to more hope, greater faith, and a wider community of believers. Join us for an unforgettable retreat experience March 20-22 in Green Bay. Registration is now open for workers and participants. Invite your family and friends to experience God anew in 2026 at TEC 286. TEC is a Catholic retreat for high school juniors, seniors, young adults, and adults who want to deepen their Catholic faith. Sign up today. The door is open!
