Countdown to Opening Mass at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament
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.
Diocesan Calendar of Major Events
Vatican Calendar of Major Events
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:
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.
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Important Links
The Jubilee Prayer by Pope Francis
To download a printable version of this prayer, click here