Archdiocese of Newark Launches Jubilee Year 2025 with Hope-Filled Opening Mass

The celebration marked the beginning of a holy season proclaimed by Pope Francis, uniting Catholics worldwide under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.”

The well-attended Mass began with Cardinal Tobin greeting the assembly at the transept for the Introductory Rite, followed by a 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 Basilica’s main entrance, where he invited the faithful to venerate the raised Jubilee Cross of Hope carried throughout. The procession returned to the Cathedral Basilica, where Cardinal Tobin led prayers for the blessing and the sprinkling of holy water, reminding the congregation of their baptism.

Reflecting the diversity of the Archdiocese, the rest of 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.

“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.”

A Jubilee Year is a period for Catholics to re-establish their relationship with God, each other, and creation through prayer and reconciliation. The yearlong celebration will feature special liturgies, pilgrimages, and charitable initiatives focused on hope and healing. Catholics in the Archdiocese of Newark can receive a Jubilee Indulgence by visiting one of four designated pilgrimage churches during the Jubilee Year: the Cathedral Basilica in Newark, St. Pius X Church in Old Tappan, St. Joseph of the Palisades Parish in West New York, and St. Helen Church in Westfield. The Jubilee Indulgence can also be granted by undertaking spiritual works of mercy and penance outlined in the Archdiocese’s indulgence guidelines.

For more information about the Jubilee Year 2025, visit the Archdiocese’s website at www.rcan.org/jubilee-2025. 

About the Archdiocese of Newark 

The Archdiocese of Newark serves 1.3 million Catholics across northern New Jersey’s Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union counties. Led by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., the sixth archbishop of Newark, the Archdiocese includes 211 parishes, 67 Catholic schools, and numerous missions and ministries committed to faith, education, and social service. For more information, visit www.rcan.org.