"Avanti, Padre, avanti!"
As I stood in front of the Holy Door on the right side of St. Peter's Basilica, the security guard's gesture made it clear I had to keep moving. I had paused to snap a photo, but with thousands of pilgrims behind me, I was holding up the line.
This was in 2016, during the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy. It was a rare "bonus" Jubilee, as normally, a Jubilee Year only occurs every 25 years.
This 2025, Catholics globally celebrate another Jubilee year dedicated to grace, forgiveness, and renewal. What could that mean for you?
The Holy Door
Walking through a "Holy Door," either in Rome or in one of the local churches indicated by a bishop symbolizes a new beginning, leaving behind what burdened you.
The Jubilee Year calls for a reset in three key areas: personal renewal, emotional healing, and spiritual recalibration. Here's how you can incorporate these principles into your life:
➡️ Personal Renewal: Simplify and Reassess
Take this time to slow down and evaluate your life. What do you truly need? Clear out physical and mental clutter. Let go of outdated habits and distractions to make room for new growth and opportunities.
➡️ Emotional Healing: Forgive and Let Go
We all carry emotional baggage, whether from past relationships or missed opportunities. The Jubilee Year invites us to forgive—both others and ourselves. Letting go of this weight frees you to move forward with a lighter heart.
➡️ Spiritual Recalibration: Align with Your Values
Reflect on whether your actions align with your core values. Are you living authentically? Use this time to ensure your actions truly reflect what matters most to you.
I recorded an episode of my podcast The Walk about ways in which you can apply this tradition in your daily life, click here to listen.
The Jubilee Year is not just a religious event for devout Catholics—it’s a universal opportunity to reset. What would you like to leave behind when stepping over the threshold of this new year?
Fr. Roderick
P.S.: I am organizing a free webinar for parish members and religious organizations on how to grow your online impact and your social media following in 2025.
DATE: Thursday, January 9 at 8 PM CET.
Sign up here: https://fatherroderick.com/webinar or share this with someone who may be interested!
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