Bishop Earl Fernandes ushered out the Jubilee Year of Hope in the diocese during a Mass on the Feast of the Holy Family at St. Joseph Cathedral.
Although the Jubilee Year did not officially end until the Solemnity of the Epiphany on Jan. 6, Bishop Fernandes and other bishops in U.S. dioceses took the opportunity at Masses on Dec. 28 to commemorate a momentous year in the local and universal Church.
The Jubilee Year, which is observed every 25 years in the Church as a period of repentance and mercy, was launched by the late Pope Francis on Dec. 24, 2024, with the traditional opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Bishops around the world, including Columbus, began the Jubilee Year in their dioceses on Dec. 29, 2024.
Pope Francis’ official Jubilee Year declaration Spec Non Confundit, or “Hope does not disappoint,” was taken from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans.
During the holy year, Bishop Fernandes designated St. Joseph Cathedral and Lancaster Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption as diocesan pilgrimage sites where the faithful could visit to receive a plenary indulgence, or remission of the temporal punishment, for sins that have already been forgiven.
The Holy Father had granted that the faithful who are repentant, free from affection for sin and moved by a spirit of charity could participate by visiting a designated holy site. To gain the indulgence, an individual must have received sacramental confession, Holy Communion, pray for the Pope’s intentions and engage in works of mercy and charity.
In addition to visiting the local pilgrimage sites throughout the world, Catholics traveled to Rome to walk through the Holy Doors at the four major basilicas, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, St. Paul Outside the Walls and St. Peter’s.
Bishop Fernandes led several diocesan pilgrimages to Rome in 2025, including two in October.
“In reflecting on the Jubilee Year of Hope, there are several moments that stand out in my mind,” the bishop said. “First, there was the election of the new Pope, which has brought us great joy. The diocesan pilgrimage to Rome, as well as the Jubilee for Educators and the Jubilee for Deacons, were also moments of grace with the people from the diocese.”
Other Jubilee Year of Hope high points for the bishop were a Pentecost Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral and ordinations to the priesthood at Westerville St. Paul the Apostle Church.
“The Vigil for Pentecost highlighted the great unity and diversity in the Diocese of Columbus, and, for me, it was a celebration of joy,” Bishop Fernandes said. “Two other liturgies that really stand out for me were the ordination of three new priests and the reception of the final vows of Sister Maria Aurea of the Sisters of Kilimanjaro.”
In the homily at the Mass on the Feast of the Holy Family, Bishop Fernandes made several references to the Jubilee Year.
“In the opening dialog of the Mass, I mentioned the rivers of grace that have flowed through the Jubilee Year,” he said. “If you watch a river or a stream, it’s always flowing. It never stops. You don’t want to be still like a stagnant pool but let God’s grace work in you.
“As the end of the year approaches, I invite you to reflect on the many graces that God has given you throughout the year, how he has blessed you, how many mercies he has shown you.”
The bishop went on to encourage the faithful to be a light for others.
“When people see you and they ask, ‘What is the reason for your hope?’ it is my hope and prayer that you will say the reason for my hope is Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Son of Mary … Prince of Peace. He is the reason for our hope.”
Pope Leo XIV, who was elected as pontiff in May after Pope Francis’ death, will officially end the Jubilee in the Church by closing the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica on Jan. 6.
