Newark Archdiocese launches Jubilee Year 2025 with hope-filled Opening Mass
The Archdiocese of Newark inaugurated the Jubilee Year 2025 with an Opening Mass celebrated by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. The celebration marked the beginning of a holy season proclaimed by Pope Francis, uniting Catholics worldwide under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.”
The packed cathedral echoed with music, hymns, and prayers as the Cardinal, Auxiliary Bishops, concelebrating priests, Knights of Columbus Honor Guard, the Knights of Malta, and worshippers embraced the Jubilee spirit. Cardinal Tobin greeted the assembly at the transept for the Introductory Rite, followed by the deacon’s reading of the first Gospel (John 14:7) and the Jubilee Bull of Indiction, Spes non confundit (“Hope does not disappoint”).
Cardinal Tobin then led a procession from the side transept door to the cathedral’s main entrance, where he invited the faithful to venerate the raised Jubilee Cross of Hope carried in the procession. The procession returned to the cathedral, where Cardinal Tobin led prayers for the blessing and sprinkling of holy water, reminding the congregation of their baptism.
Reflecting the diversity of the Archdiocese, the liturgy featured prayers and readings in several languages used by the faithful, including Creole, Italian, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, Tagalog, and American Sign Language.
During his homily, Cardinal Tobin reminded the assembly that all Christians are pilgrims journeying together with a clear destiny: The Kingdom of God. He emphasized the themes of pilgrimage, hope, and family, drawing on the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph and echoing Pope Francis’s call for compassion.
“Pope Francis observes that the family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph is holy, and yet, we see that even Jesus’ parents did not always understand him,” he said. “We can reflect on this and not be surprised if, at times, we don’t understand each other.” This reminds us to lead with questions, listen, and converse with our families instead of resorting to silence or resentment, Cardinal Tobin pointed out.
“The Pope inaugurates this Jubilee Year as a time of hope and renewal, opening the ‘door of hope’ to everyone,” Cardinal Tobin said. “Pilgrims are called to embrace this hope, actively pursuing God’s promise and spreading light amid the world’s darkness.”
Cardinal Tobin also invited the faithful to reflect on the Archdiocese’s mission during this year of hope, asking, “Where are we as a local church? Where is the Lord calling us? How do we get there together?” He underscored that Christian hope is not passive but an active response to God’s call, inspiring believers to seek truth, peace, and justice. “ With God, joy flourishes, life changes, and hope does not disappoint,” he added.
The Jubilee Year, an ancient Catholic tradition, focuses on spiritual renewal, acts of mercy, and indulgences. Pope Francis inaugurated the Jubilee on Christmas Eve in Vatican City by opening the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, symbolizing the Church’s invitation to reconciliation and grace. Holy Doors worldwide, including at the Newark cathedral, were ceremonially opened to mark the occasion.
Catholics in the Archdiocese of Newark can receive a plenary indulgence by visiting one of four designated pilgrimage churches during the Jubilee Year: the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, Saint Helen in Westfield, Saint Joseph of the Palisades in West New York, and Saint Pius X in Old Tappan. The Jubilee Indulgence can also be granted by undertaking spiritual works of mercy and penance outlined in the Archdiocese’s guidelines.
The yearlong celebration will feature special liturgies, pilgrimages, and charitable initiatives focused on hope and healing. For more information about the Jubilee Year 2025, visit the Archdiocese’s website at www.rcan.org/jubilee-2025.
Photos courtesy of Auxiliary Bishop Elias R. Lorenzo and Archdiocese of Newark/Julio Eduardo Herrera.
Click the link below the photo gallery to watch a recap of the Jubilee Year Opening Mass at Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
