The Jubilee Year of Hope

“We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us, and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision.”  

These words from our Holy Father Pope Francis introduce us to the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025, a universal celebration beginning with the opening of the holy doors at St. Peter’s in Rome on December 24. The timing could not be better, as the world always needs hope.

The Dominican Shrine of St. Jude Thaddeus in Chicago has answered that call since October 1929, when the Shrine’s important ministry of hope began. Since then, millions of faithful in Chicago and from around the globe have visited in person, online, and through the mail to express gratitude for prayers answered and to implore assistance where the intercession of St. Jude, patron of Hope, would help. 

While a pilgrimage to the Eternal City may be out of the question, the Shrine doors remain open daily year-round.  We invite you to bring your Pilgrimage of Hope to the corner of 19th and Ashland in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood and visit the Dominican Shrine of St. Jude Thaddeus in St. Pius V Church, home to the largest relic of an apostle outside Europe.

May the grace and peace of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the blessings of the Holy Spirit be with you and yours during these holy days of Advent and throughout the Christmas Season.

Bob Dixon

Office of Mission Advancement

Where there’s prayer, there is Hope.