The Holy Door of Saint Peter’s Basilica was opened by Pope Francis on 24 December 2024, marking the beginning of the Jubilee Year.
The occasion marks a time of grace, mercy and conversion, involving prayer, pilgrimage, and sacramental repentance.
As a Diocese, we will officially launch the Jubilee Year with a special event on Sunday 2 March.
Everyone is encouraged to get involved as we celebrate Pope Francis’ theme - Pilgrims of Hope.
Details of the event are:
8:00am – Pilgrim Prayer at Nobbys Beach (Foreshore Park)
8:15am – Pilgrimage along the Harbourfront (Honeysuckle)
10:00am – Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral
11:00am – Festival in the Cathedral Precinct with the 2025 Launch of Caritas Australia's Project Compassion Lenten Appeal.
Bishop Michael Kennedy is inviting all communities of the Diocese to come along with their flags and banners as we celebrate and share with the Newcastle CBD the hope we bring to our part of the world.
At this event you will also learn more about our Pilgrim’s Passport, where you will be encouraged to visit our sites of pilgrimage:
- Sacred Heart Cathedral, Newcastle West
- St Mary Star of the Sea, Newcastle
- St John the Baptist Shrine, Maitland
- St Joseph’s, East Maitland
- St Joseph’s, Murrurundi
- Blessed Virgin Mary Queen of Peace, Scone
- Saints Patrick & Brigid, Cooranbong
- Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Taree
There are a few other things happening throughout the year, details will be released on them as the information becomes available. You can view some key Diocesan dates in the poster below.
To learn more about the Jubilee Year, click here.
