Diocesan Calendar of Major Events
Featured Speakers for Mission Service Presentations- 4:00 PM-6:00 PM
4:00 PM— 4:20 PM- Father John Byrnes
“Spirit of Gallitzin”
4:30 PM— 4:50 PM- Deacon Michael Russo
Deacon at Saint Benedict Parish, Johnstown, Outreach to Missions in Africa, India and Pakistan
5:00 PM— 5:20 PM- Sister Marilyn Welch, CCW
5:30 PM—5:50 PM- Father Ralph Mensah
Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi Ghana; Misson Partnership with Saint John the Evangelist Parish and School, Bellefonte and Holy Name of Mary Academy, Ghana
6:00 PM—6:20 PM- Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
Mission Partnership with Holy Spirit Church, Maggotty, Jamaica.
Guest Homilist for Mass- Father Marek Bzinkowski
Pastor of Holy Spirit Parish, Maggotty, of our partner Diocese of Mandeville, Jamaica
The Jubilee Logo
The logo shows four stylized figures, representing all of humanity, coming from the four corners of the earth. They embrace each other to indicate the solidarity and fraternity which should unite all peoples.
The figure at the front is holding onto the cross. It is not only the sign of the faith which this lead figure embraces, but also of hope, which can never be abandoned, because we are always in need of hope, especially in our moments of greatest need. There are the rough waves under the figures, symbolizing the fact that life’s pilgrimage does not always go smoothly in calm waters. Often the circumstances of daily life and events in the wider world require a greater call to hope. That’s why we should pay special attention to the lower part of the cross which has been elongated and turned into the shape of an anchor which is let down into the waves.
The anchor is well known as a symbol of hope. In maritime jargon the ‘anchor of hope’ refers to the reserve anchor used by vessels involved in emergency maneuvers to stabilize the ship during storms. It is worth noting that the image illustrates the pilgrim’s journey not as an individual undertaking, but rather as something communal, marked by an increasing dynamism leading one ever closer to the cross.
The cross in the logo is by no means static, but it is also dynamic. It bends down towards humanity, not leaving human beings alone, but stretching out to them to offer the certainty of its presence and the security of hope.
At the bottom of the logo is the motto of the 2025 Jubilee Year: Peregrinantes in Spem (Pilgrims in hope), represented in green letters.
Luce
During a press conference on October 28, Archbishop Rino Fisichella officially presented the mascot of the 2025 Jubilee, “Luce”.
This character, designed by the illustrator Simone Legno, was designed with the intention of reflecting pop culture, popular among young people, and brings with it a message of hope and welcome.
Luce is a pilgrim dressed as a typical traveler: a yellow anorak to protect herself from the elements, dirty boots that bear witness to the path she has already traveled, a missionary cross around her neck and the pilgrim’s staff in her hand. Particularly evocative are Luce’s eyes, which shine with an intense light: they symbolize the hope that is born in the heart of every pilgrim, and reflect the desire for spirituality and connection with the divine. They act as a reminder of the universal message of peace and brotherhood. The choice of a mascot like Luce is part of a broader context, aimed at reaching new generations and promoting intergenerational dialogue. The mascot not only represents the Jubilee, but is also a symbol of community, of welcome and of sharing.
You will see Luce throughout the year during Jubilarian events, both for the local and global Church.
Vatican Calendar of Major Events
Opening Mass Photo Gallery
The Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown kicked off Jubilee Year 2025 with a special opening Mass, celebrated by Bishop Mark. The Mass occurred on December 29th at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament. You can view a photo gallery* from the Mass below. There are also video highlights from Proclaim! TV further down the page.
*Click on Photos to enlarge
Proclaim! x Jubilee Year 2025
Throughout Jubilee Year 2025, Proclaim! Media* will be covering the Jubilee in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown. Below you can view video, magazine extras, and more to celebrate this wonderful and exciting time for the Diocesan Church.
*(Proclaim! Magazine, Proclaim! TV, Proclaim! E-News and Proclaim! Plus)
Proclaim! Jubilee Year Video
Proclaim! Magazine Special Jubilee Year Issue
Expressions of Hope Artwork
View some of the Expressions of Hope artwork submissions below. You can see more of this artwork on display at one of the upcoming diocesan Jubilee Year events and in future editions of Proclaim! Magazine and Proclaim! TV. Beyond drawings, there will also be poetry, photos, and more on display.
Click on any of the images below to enlarge.
Pilgrim's Passport
Special passport booklets, provided to each parish for distribution, were created for diocesan pilgrims to track their travels around the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown. Individuals are welcome to visit all parishes in the diocese, especially the 13 holy sites designated by Bishop Mark where individuals can receive an indulgence for their visit upon completion of guidelines. Mail your completed passport to the address provided on the inside cover to be entered into a drawing to win prize packages!
Indulgences
Background
Pope Francis has cast the Jubilee as an opportunity for conversion, reconciliation with God through the sacrament of penance, obtaining indulgences for us and the faithfully departed, through God’s mercy, renewing our faith and love through hope, and proclaiming God’s love to the many people suffering in today’s world.
The pope’s earnest desire is that the Jubilee Year may provide an opportunity in this year, “to be renewed in hope” not only for the millions of pilgrims who will travel to Rome for this Jubilee, but also for those who, unable to do so, will celebrate in their local churches through pilgrimages to Marian shrines and holy sites.
Theology of Indulgence
“Once sin has been forgiven or pardoned in Sacramental Confession, there is often still a rupture in the human person’s personal relationship
with God. A deep interior renewal of the person is still needed. This deep journey of conversion is a process that continues throughout the Christian life; recognition of sin, contrition, repentance, forgiveness, and ongoing personal renewal and healing.” (Catechism of the CatholicChurch, Number 1471).
Usual Conditions for the Plenary Indulgence
- Celebrate Sacramental Confession (going to Confession within 20 Days before or within 20 days after the indulgence is sought). A person should be of the spirit that is sincerely and willfully detached from any sin, mortal and venial.
- Receive Holy Communion while participating fully, actively, and consciously at Mass.
- Pray for the Pope’s needs and monthly intentions: Apostles Creed, Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be.
Indulgence Conditions of Jubilee Year Pilgrims of Hope
- Traveling to any sacred Jubilee designated site and perform the usual conditions; or engage in Eucharistic adoration and
meditation concluding with an Our Father, a Profession of Faith, and on invocations to Mary. - Perform a corporal or spiritual work of mercy.
- Participate in a popular mission, spiritual exercise, or formational activities on the documents of Vatican II or the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
- Piously visit any sacred Jubilee site and participate in Mass, a Liturgy of the Word, one of the major hours from the Liturgy of the Hours (office of Readings, Morning Prayer, or Evening Prayer), devotional prayers such as the Way of the Cross, the Rosary, the Akathist hymn, or a penance service that ends with Sacramental Confession.
View the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown Holy Sites below:
Queen of Archangels Parish, Clarence
Our Lady of Victory Parish, State College
Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Altoona
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Altoona
Our Lady of the Alleghenies Parish, Lilly
Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel, Loretto
Saint Joseph’s Mission Church
Saint John Gualbert Cathedral, Johnstown
Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Johnstown
Saint Mary Parish, Shade Gap
Immaculate Conception Parish, Dudley
Our Lady Queen of Angels Parish, Central City
Seven Dolors of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Bean’s Cove
Expressions of Hope
All the faithful of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown are invited to share an ‘Expression of Hope’ in the form of art, photography, or poetry in this Jubilee Year. The deadline for submissions for entry in Proclaim! Magazine is November 6, 2024, and December 8, 2024, for all displays.
You can view full information below and download the submission forms by clicking here.
TWO NEW DEADLINES FOR SUBMISSIONS
Submit by April 30 for June 29 display at the Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel in Loretto.
Submit by August 15 for October 3 display on the day of the Ecumenical Concert at Saint John Gualbert Cathedral in Johnstown.
Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown Jubilee 2025 Prayer Leaflet
Outside – needs to be printed on 8 1/2″ x 14″ legal size paper
Inside – needs to be printed on 8 1/2″ x 14″ legal size paper
To download a printable version of the prayer leaflet, click here*
*Needs to be printed on 8 1/2″ x 14″ legal size paper
Important Links
