So What Exactly is a Jubilee Year Anyway?

Michie · Jan 5, 2025

Explore the Beauty and Mystery of this ancient tradition

If you’re anything like me, you may not have known exactly what a Jubilee Year is—and that’s okay.

Because the Catholic Church has a depth and breadth of traditions, devotions, and symbols that make the Library of Congress look like a pamphlet.

You can’t be expected to know everything.

For example, take the Umbraculum, AKA Umbrellino, the umbrella-type thing carried over the Blessed Sacrament during processions.

But it’s not just that.

It’s also conspicuously placed in the sanctuary of Minor Basilicas, indicating their connection to the Holy See…and only opened when a Pope visits.

Or the ‘candle snuffer,’ the device used to light and extinguish the tall candles around the altar…which rumor says has recently been named a Lucereum.

I could go on, but if you’re truly interested, you might want to venture down the rabbit hole yourself; just make sure you bring snacks.

Continued below.