MANILA, Philippines — As the world geared up to welcome 2025, Catholic communities across the Philippines held unique ceremonies and festivities to mark the beginning of the Jubilee, or the Catholic Holy Year.
A Jubilee happens once every 25 years, unless the Pope arranges for a special one to raise awareness on a pressing issue or to celebrate an important milestone. During this time, Catholics can be blessed with special indulgences or remission of their sins as long as they meet certain conditions and do good deeds.
The 2025 Holy Year, which is dedicated to the theme of hope, will run until January 6, 2026.
Here’s how Catholics from different parts of the Philippines kicked off the Jubilee:
The Diocese of Baguio inaugurates the Jubilee Year at the Our Lady of the Atonement Cathedral or Baguio Cathedral on Sunday, December 29, 2024. Photo by Mari-An C. SantosThe Diocese of Imus inaugurates the Jubilee Year 2025 on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of the Pillar-Imus Cathedral, presided by Bishop Reynaldo G. Evangelista D.D. Photo by Miguel Luis AbenalesSan Gregorio Magno Parish in Majayjay, Laguna, opens the 2025 Jubilee Year with a concert titled ‘Renewed in Hope: A Christmas Musical Reflection’ on December 24, 2024. Photo by the Social Communications Ministry of San Gregorio Magno Parish The Archdiocese of Cebu holds a religious procession from the Cebu Provincial Capitol to the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral om December 29, 2024, to mark the opening of the Jubilee Year. Photo by Max Limpag/RapplerThe Diocese of Tagbilaran inaugurates the Jubilee Year 2025 on December 30, 2024, at the Tagbilaran Cathedral. Photo by Fr. Al John Minoza and Anthony Cris Loquellano
How is your parish or diocese celebrating the Jubilee? Share your photos and stories in the faith chat room of the Rappler app. — Rappler.com
