Since Christmas Eve, the Catholic Church has been experiencing the Jubilee of Hope, proposed by Pope Francis, in which the Church renews its faith and promotes charity. In Brazil, the Shrine of Aparecida, where the Redemptorists minister, has been recognised as one of the Pilgrim Churches of Jubilee 2025.
“Pilgrims of hope‘ is the theme of the large gathering, which invites believers to live a spiritual journey, reflecting on the importance of hope in times of challenges and uncertainties. Pope Francis’ request is to encourage concrete actions of the Gospel, to put God at the centre of our lives and to strengthen our faith as pilgrims to be more and more a Church on the move.
The Shrine of Aparecida has been recognised as one of the Jubilee 2025 Churches. The official announcement took place during the solemn Mass on 12 October 2024. During the celebration, Archbishop Orlando Brandes of Aparecida signed the decree declaring Brazil’s largest church and historic basilica as Jubilee Churches of the archdiocese.
Pilgrims visiting the Basilicas of Aparecida during the Jubilee period will be able to receive plenary indulgence as long as they meet the conditions specified by Catholic doctrine, such as confession, communion and prayers for the Pope’s intentions.
In addition to the basilicas, other temples in the archdiocese of Aparecida have also been designated as jubilee churches: the Mother Church of Nossa Senhora Aparecida and São Benedito, in Aparecida; the Mother Church of Santo Antônio and the Frei Galvão Shrine, in Guaratinguetá.
“The pilgrimage is the most important sign of the Jubilee, which is why every 25 years, the Pope declares a new Holy Year of mercy, indulgence and peace in our hearts. In Aparecida, the Jubilee Year means God’s tenderness and affection through Our Lady’s intercession! Our two basilicas are Jubilee Churches! Join us, come and visit Our Lady and her Shrine,” – says Fr. Eduardo Catalfo, CSsR, rector of the Shrine (cf. video below).
On the special page of the Jubilee Year of the Shrine of Aparecida, one can follow the complete calendar of events, news, and exclusive materials that will mark this special time of grace and communion, which brings together the faithful of Brazil and the world of the joy of the Gospel.
The entire Aparecida Network will produce the materials especially, and the site will be constantly updated. It will offer a complete vision of the Jubilee, from reflections to formation materials and stories of faith. All this reinforces the invitation to every devotee to live this Holy Year in unity with the whole Church, taking up the call to be ‘Pilgrims of Hope’.
(by Alberto Andrade, a12.com)
In the video below (Portuguese), Father Eduardo Catalfo, CSsR, theShrine’ss rector, speaks about the Jubilee Year at Aparecida.
