A Jubilee is a special year proclaimed by the Catholic Church to offer a time of grace, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal. It is an invitation to pray, to forgive, to reconcile with God and others, and to take concrete acts of charity. The word “Jubilee” comes from an ancient term that signified a year of joy and liberation. The Christian tradition dates back to 1300 when the Church instituted this special year to help believers deepen their faith.
The rebirth of Notre-Dame is a tremendous sign of hope. If you cannot travel to Rome, it is possible to experience the graces of the Jubilee at Notre-Dame, including the plenary indulgence. To receive it, the Holy Father asks pilgrims to go to confession, receive communion, pray for his intentions, and practice works of mercy—or to deepen their understanding of the faith. A plenary indulgence is a grace granted by God to repair all our sins and the disorder caused by them.
How to Obtain a Plenary Indulgence?
The Jubilee Pilgrimage
Before entering, take a moment to look at the facade. Christ welcomes us at the Portal of Judgment. He leads us from the outside to the inside, from exteriority to interiority. Entering the Cathedral is also an entrance into ourselves to encounter the Lord.
- After passing through the doors, stop at the baptismal font. Here, you can recite the Creed: “I believe in God…” as a remembrance of your baptism.
- Walk to the left along the Aisle of the Promise, recalling the great figures of the Old Testament: Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, Isaiah, and Elijah. You may recite the “Our Father.”
- Enter the ambulatory to meditate on the mystery of the Incarnation. The walls of the choir depict the birth and life of Jesus. Here, you can read the Beatitudes:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” - You will then arrive at the reliquary of the Crown of Thorns. Enter the prayer area for a moment of silent reflection. You may read the “Soul of Christ” prayer.
- As you continue, take a moment before the Blessed Sacrament. After a silent prayer, you can recite the Magnificat:
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord…” - Continue your walk to reflect on the Resurrection. The walls of the choir illustrate the appearances of the Risen Christ.
- As you exit the ambulatory, immediately to the right, you will see the Virgin and Child (on the pillar). You may light a candle and say a “Hail Mary.”
- End your pilgrimage along the Aisle of Pentecost, recalling the Acts of the Apostles and the history of the Church. Here, you can pray the Litanies of Loreto:
“Lord, have mercy…”
The proposed prayers are available on the Cathedral’s app and in the Pilgrim’s Guide, available at the reception and the shop.
The Jubilee Prayer
For the Ordinary Jubilee of 2025, Pope Francis has chosen the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” emphasizing the importance of walking together in faith and hope amid today’s challenges.
Father in heaven,
may the faith you have given us
in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,
and the flame of charity enkindled
in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,
reawaken in us the blessed hope
for the coming of your Kingdom.
May your grace transform us
into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.
May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos
in the sure expectation
of a new heaven and a new earth,
when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,
your glory will shine eternally.
May the grace of the Jubilee
reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,
a yearning for the treasures of heaven.
May that same grace spread
the joy and peace of our Redeemer
throughout the earth.
To you our God, eternally blessed,
be glory and praise for ever.
Amen.
