Pope Francis has declared 2025 a Jubilee Year, with the theme "Pilgrims of Hope."
Jubilee Years ordinarily occur every 25 years, and they bring extra opportunities for formation and indulgences--a worldwide joyful celebration in the Church!
But what is Hope? Click HERE to learn more about what the virtue of hope really is.
If you are visiting one of the Pilgrimage Sites in the Diocese of Allentown for the Jubilee Year of Hope, please let us know by clicking the button below to record your date of visit.
While visiting the site, one can receive a plenary indulgence. See below to learn more about plenary indulgences.
Diocesan Events for the Jubilee Year
The Diocese of Allentown has many opportunities to encounter and receive God's Hope this year.
4/12: Vocations Discernment Retreat (for Young Adults), 10am-3pm, St. Mary’s Church, Kutztown
Everyone needs a vocations retreat! Join us for a day of prayer, contemplation, and community. Whichever vocation you're discerning (priesthood, married life, consecrated life, or single life), we're here to support you. This retreat will allow you to encounter speakers from all these callings and give you a space to listen to God's voice in exploring your vocation. Date, 4/12. Time, 10am-3pm. Location: St. Mary's Church in Kutztown. See flyer here.
6/21: Commissioning Mass for Eucharistic Ministers, 10:30am, Cathedral St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown
6/22: Eucharistic Preacher Event, 3 pm, Cathedral St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown
10/7: Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C.
The Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., will be on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. The Diocesan Pilgrimage tradition to Mary’s House is typically held every four years. More information will be forthcoming for individuals, parishes, and schools. If you have questions about the Pilgrimage, email [email protected] or call Fr. Hoffa at 610-921-2729, ext. 2205.
Anointing of the Sick Masses
One of the primary ways we receive the gift of God's saving Hope is through the Sacraments.
Bishop Schlert will be celebrating Masses that offer the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick in various locations throughout the year.
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is given to anyone who is seriously ill, either physically or mentally, or to anyone advanced in age or facing a medical procedure. This great gift of grace offers holistic healing by praying for a cure, but, more importantly, for the gift of hope and peace that the sufferer would be united to Christ on the Cross.
St. Ambrose – Schuylkill Haven – May 4, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. Mass
St. Thomas More – Allentown – August 24, 2025 at 12 p.m. Mass
St. Catharine of Siena – Reading – September 7, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. Mass
St. Joseph – Summit Hill – November 23, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Mass
Indulgences
A plenary indulgence is a grace granted by the Catholic Church through the merits of Jesus Christ to remove the temporal punishment due to sin.
The indulgence is a grace granted by the Catholic Church through the merits of Jesus Christ to remove the temporal punishment due to sin.
The indulgence applies to sins already forgiven. A plenary indulgence cleanses the soul as if the person had just been baptized. Plenary indulgences obtained during the Jubilee Year can also be applied to souls in purgatory with the possibility of obtaining two plenary indulgences for the deceased in one day, according to the Apostolic Penitentiary.
To obtain a plenary indulgence, one must have the interior disposition of complete detachment from sin, even venial sin; make a sacramental confession; receive holy Communion; and pray for the intentions of the pope.
To receive a more thorough explanation of the conditions to obtain a plenary indulgence and find the ways to receive a plenary indulgence, please click HERE.
Pilgrimage Sites
One of the many ways to receive an indulgence this year is to make a pilgrimage. In the Diocese of Allentown, Bishop Schlert has designated the following pilgrimage sites for obtaining the Jubilee Indulgence:
The Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown
Located at 200 Block of North 18th Street, Allentown, PA 18104
Website: https://www.cathedral-church.org/
The National Centre for Padre Pio, Barto
Located at 111 Barto Road, Barto PA, 19504
Website: https://www.padrepio.org/visit/jubilee-year-of-hope-destination/
The National Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Allentown
Located at Immaculate Conception Parish, 501 Ridge Ave, Allentown, PA 18102
Website: http://immaculateconceptionallentown.org/
The Shrine of Saint Therese of Lisieux, Nesquehoning
Located at St. Francis Parish, 15 E Garibaldi Ave., Nesquehoning, PA 18240
Only open on Saturdays for 9:30 am Mass.
Website: http://www.shrineofsainttherese.com/
Learn More About God's Gift of Hope
Check back regularly to view articles examining Hope in the Diocese of Allentown!
Bishop Schlert's Lenten Letter: Hail, O Cross, Our Only Hope
Bishop Schlert Celebrates the Opening Mass of the Jubilee Year of Hope
Catholic Schools are in the Business of Inspiring Hope
Hope is Present in Marriage and Annulments
The Sacrament of Confession Heals the Soul and Restores Hope
