The Catholic Church has declared Jubilee 2025 to be a Holy Year, providing pilgrims with a once-in-a-lifetime chance to visit holy places. This practice, which has been around since the 14th century, is a period of reflection, fasting, and pilgrimage. As millions of believers get ready for this momentous occasion, here are a few important religious sites that are must-sees for pilgrims in search of a deep spiritual encounter. Before we move on to the sites, consider getting yourself products of the Jubilee 2025 from sites like Holyart to ensure efficient travel plans and stay ahead of your needs.
Vatican City – St. Peter’s Basilica
The Jubilee festivities revolve around Vatican City’s St. Peter’s Basilica. Because of its centrality as the holiest location in Christendom, it attracts many pilgrims. St. Peter, the first pope, rests in the magnificent basilica, which is rich in religious importance. During the Jubilee years, the Holy Door was opened so that pilgrims could receive blessings, attend masses, and visit the church. Grace and forgiveness bring in a new era, and this act represents it.
Rome’s Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta)
The Holy Stairs are a highly admired destination for pilgrims, close to St. John Lateran. Tradition holds that St. Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, brought these 28 marble steps from Jerusalem and that these are the steps that Jesus ascended on his journey to be tried by Pontius Pilate. Pilgrims go up the steps on their knees while thinking about Christ’s Passion and seeking repentance.
Assisi – Italy
Assisi, the place where Saint Francis was born, is another important destination for pilgrims who are celebrating the Jubilee. By its medieval allure and spiritual heritage, the town provides a quiet and contemplative ambience for its visitors. Visitors pay a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, which is the location of the grave of the saint, as well as the Basilica of St. Clare, which is the location of the remains of St. Clare, who was a close disciple of St. Francis. The serene environment that surrounds Assisi makes it a perfect place for meditation and prayer.
Santiago de Compostela – Spain
Many Jubilee pilgrims will make their way to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, even though it is not located in Italy. The pilgrimage road known as the Camino de Santiago, sometimes known as the Way of St. James, is a well-known route that culminates in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, which is believed to be the location where the apostle James is buried. In search of a more profound connection to their religion and an awakening of their spirituality, pilgrims from all over the world go through this ancient journey.
Lourdes – France
Lourdes is an important pilgrimage site recognized for the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to Saint Bernadette. This place provides opportunities for peace and healing. Millions of people visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in search of physical and spiritual healing through its baths. Many people claim to have had miraculous cures while using these waters. During the Jubilee of 2025, Lourdes will serve as a site where people can offer prayers and have deep spiritual encounters.
The Other Three Basilicas of Rome
- St. John Lateran, often known as the Cathedral of the Pope, is the oldest of the four main basilicas and holds the top spot in terms of its prominence. Here, the relics of Saint Peter and Saint Paul are kept, and pilgrims come to worship them.
- In addition to being a shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary, St. Mary Major is renowned for its breathtaking mosaics, and it provides visitors with a location to contemplate Marian devotion.
- The basilica known as St. Paul Outside the Walls is a landmark for anyone who is interested in establishing a connection with the apostolic foundations of the Church. It is claimed that St. Paul is buried inside these walls.
