Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Bishop James D. Conley of the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln has announced the commencement of the Jubilee Year of 2025, a sacred period proclaimed by Pope Francis with the theme "Pilgrims of Hope." Bishop Conley expressed his anticipation for this time, urging clergy, religious members, and lay faithful to engage in personal faith growth throughout the year.

The diocese will begin its observance with an Opening Mass scheduled for December 29, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Risen Christ in Lincoln. Bishop Conley encourages participation from priests, religious individuals, and parishioners across the diocese.

The Jubilee tradition is rooted in Sacred Scripture and has been celebrated since Pope Boniface VIII declared the first Christian Jubilee in 1300. These years occur every 25 years and offer opportunities for spiritual renewal through prayer, pilgrimage, and sacraments.

A significant aspect of Jubilee Years is the opportunity to gain a Jubilee Indulgence. The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines indulgences as "a remission before God of temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven," contingent upon certain conditions prescribed by the Church.

To obtain a plenary indulgence during this Holy Year, faithful individuals must meet specific requirements: sacramental confession within 20 days before or after performing an indulgenced activity, receiving Holy Communion, and praying for the intentions of the Holy Father. Plenary indulgences can be obtained once daily and applied to oneself or a deceased person.

Bishop Conley designated eight sites within the diocese as Jubilee pilgrimage locations where these indulgences can be sought:

- The Cathedral of the Risen Christ in Lincoln

- The Pink Sisters Chapel in Lincoln

- St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in North Platte

- St. Benedict in Nebraska City

- St. Mary in Orleans

- St. Anthony in Steinauer

- Assumption in Dwight

- Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in Arapahoe

In addition to pilgrimages, works of mercy and acts of penance are encouraged as ways to gain indulgences during this year aimed at rediscovering sacraments and practicing acts such as feeding the hungry or visiting the sick.

Bishop Conley also highlighted that this year marks "the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea (325 AD)," which produced the Nicene Creed—a fundamental expression recited at every Sunday Mass that unites believers by proclaiming core truths about Christianity.

Throughout this special year, various events including book discussions, adoration nights, guest speakers' sessions will be organized within Lincoln's Catholic community alongside initiatives like sharing "52 Moments Of Hope."

Expressing hopefulness towards embarking on this journey together with fellow Catholics across his jurisdictional region amid inspiration drawn from biblical teachings found Romans chapter twelve verse twelve ("Rejoice In Hope Be Patient In Tribulation Be Constant In Prayer"), he concluded by wishing everyone profound grace throughout their shared experiences over coming months ahead while continuing moving forward faithfully united under common purpose striving collectively towards brighter future full potential awaiting them beyond horizon line visible today but yet unseen tomorrow lies ahead waiting discovery anew each passing day brings closer realization dreams aspirations held dear hearts minds souls alike everywhere around world near far alike regardless distance separates us physically spiritually always connected forevermore timeless bond never broken no matter what happens next whatever challenges arise along way journey unfolds revealing hidden truths mysteries universe 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Sincerely yours,

The Most Reverend James D. Conley Bishop Of Lincoln