be a pilgrim of hope
The Holy Father declared 2025 to be a Jubilee Year, an event that happens every 25 years. The theme for Jubilee 2025 is “Pilgrims of Hope”, an encouragement to all the faithful to “fan the flame of hope that has been given us, and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision.”
The Jubilee Year will kick off as the Pope opens The Holy Doors of St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve of 2024. The Holy Father encourages Dioceses across the world to also open their Holy Doors, inviting pilgrims into our sanctuaries.
JOIN US ON PILGRIMAGE
Orange Diocese Office of Youth and Young Adults are excited to join the Pope for the Jubilee Year to be Pilgrims of Hope. The Holy Father has designated July 28-August 2 as the Jubilee of Young People and encourages us young people from all over the world to visit during this time. During this time, we will attend various events to embolden and encourage young people, celebrate Liturgies, visit holy sites, and explore Rome with other young people.
PILGRIMAGE
The Jubilee calls for us to set out on a journey and cross boundaries. When we travel, we not only change place physically, but we also change ourselves. This pilgrimage fosters a change of body, heart, mind, and soul.
RECONCILIATION
As pilgrims in a new place, we are also called to receive God’s new mercies, such that we become a new creation. There will be Jubilee churches open continuously to offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
LITURGY
At the center of Christian life is the Holy Mass, the Eucharistic celebration where we partake in the Body and Blood of Christ, As a pilgrim, Christ Himself walks alongside the disciples and reveals to them the mysteries of the Father, so that they too can say, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” (Luke 24:29)
HOLY DOORS
The Holy Doors of St. Peter’s Basilica take on a powerful sign of the Jubilee, as the ultimate aim of the pilgrim is to pass through it, as Pope Francis does to initiate the Jubilee year. As we pass through, we are reminded of Jesus’s words, “I am the door. If anyone passes by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.”
ITINERARY
Saturday July 26, 2025
Depart USA.
Pilgrims will secure their own flights.
Sunday, July 27, 2025
Arrive in Rome (D)
- Check into hotel
- Welcome Mass and Dinner
- Overnight in Rome
Monday, July 28, 2025
Free day to explore Rome (D)
- Free Day to Explore Rome
- Overnight in Rome
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Jubilee Opening Mass (B, L, D)
- Free morning to explore Rome
- Opening Jubilee Mass
- Overnight in Rome
July 30-Aug 1, 2025
Jubilee Events (B, L, D)
- Catechesis, concerts, speakers, cultural activities, and opportunities for dialogue
- Visits to pilgrim churches & Holy Doors throughout Rome
- Overnight in Rome
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Jubilee Pilgrimage to Vigil Site
- Begin with a pilgrimage to the Vigil site, typically a 12-15 mile walk
- Settle in and enjoy different entertainment, shows, music, and prayer opportunities
- In the evening, join the Pope and fellow pilgrims for a Vigil prayer service
- That night, sleep under the stars and prepare for the final day
- Overnight at Vigil site
Sunday, August 3, 2025
Jubilee Pilgrimage to Vigil Site
- The morning begins early with closing activities, including music, prayers, and the closing Papal Mass with the Pope
- Then, walk back to the hotel to enjoy a hot shower and some last minute shopping or sight-seeing before enjoying a Farewell Dinner
- Overnight in Rome
Monday, August 4, 2025
Departure
- Depart Rome for U.S. or continue the journey with one of the extension packages
COST
Recommended Itinerary* $2,845
Single Room Supplement $1,049
Gratuities $139
*Pricing listed per person in double-occupancy rooms and does not includes roundtrip airfare from U.S. to Italy. Pricing includes Jubilee registration fees of 215€ per pilgrim.
We are assuming an additional flight cost of $1,500 per pilgrim. Final pricing may adjust based on actual costs for flight, Jubilee registration fees, and/or any significant changes in currency exchange rates.
JUBILEE PILGRIMAGE FAQ's
Recommended Itinerary* $2,845
Single Room Supplement $1,049
Gratuities $139
*Pricing listed per person in double-occupancy rooms and does not includes roundtrip airfare from U.S. to Italy. Pricing includes Jubilee registration fees of 215€ per pilgrim.
We are assuming an additional flight cost of $1,500 per pilgrim. Final pricing may adjust based on actual costs for flight, Jubilee registration fees, and/or any significant changes in currency exchange rates.
•Verso pilgrimage director
•Accommodations in centrally-located hotels, double-occupancy rooms including taxes (limited singles available)
•Breakfast daily at lodging, Welcome/Farewell Dinners, and Jubilee meal vouchers
•Jubilee registration fees, including backpack pick-up
•Preparation and follow-up formation materials
•Fundraising kit
•Promotional kit and pilgrim registration support
•Verso Preparation meeting (virtual or in-person) for all pilgrims to review itinerary, activities, logistical arrangements, and spiritual preparations
- Roundtrip airfare from U.S. to Italy
- Passport, visa, or luggage fees
- Any personal purchases
- Any required COVID/health tests or vaccinations
- Any meals not listed on itinerary
- Recommended travel protection with Cancel For Any Reason coverage
- Anything else not explicitly mentioned as included
Yes! To prepare for this pilgrimage, we will host a number of formation meetings via zoom.
Below are the meeting dates:
•September 30
•October 28
•November 25
•December 30
•January 27, 2025
•February 24
•March 31
•April 28
•May 19
•June 30
•July 21
•August 25 (Post-Pilgrimage Reunion)
We’re glad you’re interested! But we know pilgrimages require discernment and considerations. There is no pressure to commit to the pilgrimage just yet! Fill out this interest form and we’ll reach out to you with further details!
QUESTIONS?
We understand you might have tons of questions! Check out our informational webinar and presentation to learn more about the pilgrimage.