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  Every 25 years the church declares a Jubilee year, and in keeping with tradition,  Pope Francis has declared 2025 a Jubilee Year. The theme for this Jubilee Year is "Hope Does Not Disappoint," and we are all invited to become Pilgrims of Hope. Our diocese is joining with the Universal Church by recognizing the 75th Anniversary of the Diocese of Worcester also during this special year of hope, mercy, and grace.

  
  

  The Holy Father began the Jubilee Year by opening the doors at St. Peter's Basilica on the Feast of the Holy Family in December. He will close the doors and end the Jubilee Year on the same date this year.

  
  

  The concept of pilgrimage is at the heart of a Jubilee Year. There are opportunities for plenary indulgences, either by visiting designated Roman Basilicas or local sites. We are blessed that we are able to go on pilgrimage in our own diocese where we can gain plenary indulgences.

  
  

  The diocese has designated 10 local churches as pilgrimage sites for the faithful. A Pilgrim's Guide or "passport," has been created to help you on your journey. Bishop McManus will visit each church once during the year where the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available and Evening Vespers will be prayed. If you attend, you may have your passport stamped. All of these parishes are available for tours. You may check your passport for details.

  
  

  The schedule of official pilgrimage dates is can be seen below. You may pick up your passport at the entrances to the church, but please take one per family. You may also download your own passport at the link below:
  Worcester Diocese Jubilee 2025 Pilgrim's Guide

  
  

  If there is interest, we will have the option to carpool for these events. Updates will be sent out in upcoming Flocknotes. There are also prayer cards available with a special Jubilee Prayer.

  
  Schedule for Church Visits by Bishop McManus
  

  Date	Church/Parish
  January 26	St. Paul Church at Divine Mercy, Blackstone
  February 23	Our Lady of the Rosary at Mary Queen of the Rosary, Spencer
  March 23	St. Joseph Basilica, Webster
  May 11	St. Matthew, Southborough
  June 15	St. Cecilia, Leominster
  June 29	Ecumenical Vespers at St. Paul Cathedral, Worcester
  September 14	St. John the Evangelist Church at St. John, Guardian of Our Lady, Clinton
  October 19	Sacred Heart of Jesus, Milford
  November 2	Notre Dame Church at St. John Paul II Parish, Southbridge
  December 7	Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church at Annunciation Parish, Gardner

  
  In January, The Catholic Free Press will run a “Pilgrim’s Map” to help communicate that Bishop McManus is leading the “Diocesan Pilgrimage” to all churches and is inviting people to join him on this route. 
  
  The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be from 3:00 pm – 3:50 pm, followed by Evening Vespers at 4:00 pm.
  
  “May this, our Diocesan Jubilee, move sinners to repentance, heal the broken and ashamed, and restore the lost to your embrace” (from our Diocesan Jubilee Prayer). 
  
  There will be a free will offering at each event.