Hope and Renewal: A Year of Jubilee
Friday 2nd January 2026Prayer, pilgrimage, and plenary indulgences – our Holy Year of Jubilee has proven to be an unforgettable year for people across the diocese as they sought all the special graces of this ancient celebration.
Dating back to the earliest days of Judeo-Christian tradition, the Holy Year of Jubilee celebrates the theme of renewal and redemption that is at the very heart of our faith.
The year began with a solemn Mass, led by Bishop John at our cathedral’s temporary church, for which people right across the diocese gathered to mark the start of this once-in-a-25-year event.
Our diocesan schools were quick to follow with their own celebration of the Jubilee by unveiling three large anchors – the symbol of the Jubilee – that began a long journey to every school in our diocese.
To welcome the anchors, schools celebrated in a variety of imaginative ways, from exploring the logo through eye-catching displays, to holding peaceful prayer services, and taking part in a special art competition that explored what hope means to our young people.
Younger generations of our diocesan family took the spotlight once again in the summer by leading a 40-minute broadcast on BBC Radio 4 to talk about their pilgrimage to Rome to celebrate the Jubilee of Youth with our new pope, Pope Leo. Our young adults spoke passionately and knowledgeably about their faith, igniting hope for people across the nation for the future of our Church.
This wonderful visit to the Eternal City wasn’t the only pilgrimage to take place this year, as we welcomed the return of our annual pilgrimages to Lourdes and Walsingham, with a special Jubilee focus, as well one-off pilgrimages to Ladyewell and Lindisfarne, and an additional pilgrimage to Rome.
However, people didn’t have to travel far and wide to gain the graces of pilgrimage in a Jubilee year, as our designated churches provided that opportunity for prayer, pilgrimage, and reconciliation in locations right across the diocese.
Whether at home or further afield, these faith-filled pilgrimages offered the faithful of our diocese a chance to reconnect, to re-establish their relationship with God and enter into a new chapter of renewed faith.
One particular highlight of our local pilgrimages was the number of families exploring our specially-created Pilgrim Passports to learn more about the fascinating churches on our doorstep and to spend time in prayer and worship together.
Meanwhile, parishes and deaneries chose to mark the Jubilee in their own way, from mini pilgrimages, to special prayer events, and more – bringing generations of faithful together in faith and fraternity.
Finally, thanks to our Jubilee of Jubilees calendar, our diocesan community – including Caritas Salford – has provided a wealth of resources to guide people through this year of grace and to explore how the lasting message of jubilee can be lived through love and action in our day-to-day lives in this modern world.
Bishop John reflects on the Holy Year of Jubilee
Tagged | Catholic Church | Diocese | Jubilee 2025
