Jubilee of the Sick and Health Care Workers
For all of us, may the Jubilee be an opportunity to be renewed in hope.
Pope Francis
What is a Jubilee?
“Jubilee” is the name given to a particular year. The name comes from the instrument used to mark its launch. In this case, the instrument in question is the yobel, the ram's horn, used to proclaim the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). This (Jewish) holiday occurs every year, but it takes on special significance when it marks the beginning of a Jubilee year. We can find an early indication of it in the Bible: a Jubilee year was to be marked every 50 years.
Even though it wasn’t easy to organize, it was intended to be marked as a time to re-establish a proper relationship with God, with one another, and with all of creation, and involved the forgiveness of debts, the return of misappropriated land, and a fallow period for the fields.
Jubilee years are a lively experience of grace and hope for the entire Church. They are traditionally a time for pilgrimage, reconciliation, prayer, and liturgy. The 2025 Jubilee will begin with the opening of the Holy Door of the Basilica of Saint Peter on Sunday, December 29, 2024 and will conclude with the closing of the Holy Door on January 6, 2026. There are many special Jubilee events throughout the year.
What is the Jubilee of the Sick & Health Care Workers?
During the Holy Year, we are called to be tangible signs of hope for those of our brothers and sisters who experience hardships of any kind.
Pope Francis
This year's Jubilee motto is Pilgrims of Hope. We are called to reflect and discover hope in the signs of the times. Pope Francis shares that during this special Jubilee year, we are especially called to show signs of hope to the sick, including those living in their home, hospital, or other settings. We are also called to pay inclusive attention to all who experience their own weaknesses and limitations.
To be a sign of hope for the sick, the Church is celebrating the Jubilee of the Sick and Health Care Workers on April 5, 2025- April 6, 2025.
Signs of hope should also be shown to the sick, at home or in hospital. Their sufferings can be allayed by the closeness and affection of those who visit them. Works of mercy are also works of hope that give rise to immense gratitude. Gratitude should likewise be shown to all those healthcare workers who, often in precarious conditions, carry out their mission with constant care and concern for the sick and for those who are most vulnerable.
Inclusive attention should also be given to all those in particularly difficult situations, who experience their own weaknesses and limitations, especially those affected by illnesses or disabilities that severely restrict their personal independence and freedom. Care given to them is a hymn to human dignity, a song of hope that calls for the choral participation of society as a whole.
View more information about this year's Jubilee.
Save the Date!
Jubilee of the Sick & Health Care Workers - Virtual Mass
Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 11:00am CT
Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 7:30pm CT
Registration Information Coming Soon
If you would like to be contacted when registration is made available please email [email protected].
Liturgy Notes for Jubilee Mass for the Sick and Health Care Professionals
Collaborate with local health care facilities or Catholic health care entities to offer a special Jubilee mass that honors those who are sick and health care professionals. Invite the Archbishop/Bishop or presiders to offer a special blessing for all health care professionals and chaplains.
Prayers of the Faithful
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- For the Church, that we may continue the healing work of Jesus in our own time, and reach out with compassion to those who are sick in body, mind, or spirit:
- For all medical professionals, caregivers, EMTs, chaplains, and all who work in health care, that they may carry out their life-saving work with wisdom and compassion:
- For all who are sick, that they may have access to quality health care, regardless of their race or economic status:
- For those recovering from, and those struggling with addiction, that they may feel the healing presence of God.
- For all of us, that we may be instruments of peace, hope, and healing in our homes, our workplaces, and our communities:
Prayer for the Sick
Dearest and gentle Jesus,
You knew what it was to suffer,
to feel pain,
to be afraid of what may come.
I know that in my most difficult moments,
you are nearer to me than my own breath,
filling every part of me with your deep and
overwhelming love.
Never allow me to forget, that your love is
wrapped around me like a soft warm
blanket, keeping me safe, giving me courage
and comfort.
Lord, I ask you, watch over my loved ones
and those who care for me.
Lift them up when they grow weary, or when
patience grows thin.
Bless them and hold them close to your
heart.
You are with us all in this journey.
We are grateful.
Amen.
Bev Beltramo, D.Min, BC
Download Prayer for the Sick Prayer Card PDFs
Prayer for the Caregiver
May you know the presence, the strength,
and the love of God as you care.
Caregiving has so many challenges and
demands.
It also has a deep knowing that caring,
strength, and patience beyond our
normal ability shows up when needed.
In the midst of caregiving, we acknowledge
that we cannot do this on our own. A Source
greater than ourselves makes us greater,
more responsive.
This is the transformation, the sacred
encounter we have with God and with the
one for whom we care.
Prayer is the anchor. God, our Faithful One,
is with us always and in all ways.
God's presence surrounds us, in quiet
moments and in the most demanding
circumstances.
Breathe in the love, the patience, the
strength of God that is yours.
May gratitude fill your being for a job well
done.
Amen.
Beth McPherson