Welcome to the portion of Holy Trinity's website dedicated to the 2025 Jubilee Year, "Pilgrims of Hope"! On May 9, 2024, Pope Francis released the Bull of Indiction Spes non confundit (“Hope does not disappoint”) announcing the Ordinary Jubilee Year of 2025, to run from Dec. 24, 2024 to Jan., 6, 2026. On Dec. 24, 2024, Bishop Francis Malone opened the jubilee year here in the Diocese of Shreveport and named four churches as places of pilgrimage: Holy Trinity Catholic Church, the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, St. Matthew Church in Monroe, and St. John the Baptist in Many. In light of this sacred occasion, Holy Trinity Catholic Church, distinguished as the Minor Shrine of the Shreveport Martyrs, plans to engage the lay faithful of the Diocese of Shreveport in this global event of faith, mercy, and renewal. We have many initiatives in the works to enhance the spiritual journey of pilgrims, educate our parish and visitors on the profound significance of the Jubilee, and ensure that all participate in the grace of indulgences according to Church tradition. With careful planning, we intend to honor the legacy of the Five Priests, Servants of God while fostering an environment of prayer, service, and communal celebration. The following are among our proposed plans to make Holy Trinity and the other places of pilgrimage to be beacons of the Jubilee spirit, “Pilgrims of Hope.” At this time, 12/2024, these are in formulation stages only.
Highlighting Our Parish's Participation!
Jubilee Logo and Banner: Look for our beautiful retractable rollup banner in our church vestibule.
Customization for the Shreveport Martyrs: Look-for our logo for the Jubilee Year at Holy Trinity, focusing on the Shreveport Martyrs. The logo will be featured on our church bulletins and promotional materials, creating a visual identity for the event.
Vestments: Look for already ordered chasubles, dalmatics, and altar linens for use throughout the year.
Prayer Cards and Visitor Logs
Special Jubilee Masses: The Opening Mass was held Dec. 24, 2024 at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans. Look for additional Masses themed around the Jubilee, concluding with the closing of the Jubilee Year. Each will incorporate prayers for the intentions of the Pope, which is a requirement for earning indulgences.
Pilgrimage Walks
Community Events and Community Gatherings
Features for Pilgrims
Holy Door? Many dioceses are designating their cathedrals or significant churches with a Holy Door, mirroring the tradition in Rome. If approved by Bishop Francis Malone, each Pilgrimage Site might designate a Holy Door to be decorated with signage, and to remain open during stated hours.
Pilgrim Prayer Areas
Guided Tours: Holy Trinity already offer guided tours of our church. During the 2025 Jubilee Year, we will enhance our tours to not only focus on the history of our beautiful and historic parish, but also to especially emphasize the Shreveport Martyrs, adn the Jubilee Year
Printed Materials
Spiritual Retreats
Promotional Merchandise
Holy Water Bottles
Jubilee Medals
Candles
Jubilee Rosaries.
Prayer Books or Booklets
Education and Faith Formation
Workshops on Indulgences?
Lectures on Church History?
Interactive Sessions?
Catechism Classes?
Artistic and Cultural Expressions?
Websites and Social Media Enhancements?
Pilgimage Opportunities
Rules for Earning Indulgences
Confession and Communion: Clearly communicate that to gain a plenary indulgence, one must go to confession and receive Holy Communion, ideally within 20 days before or after the act that gains the indulgence.
Prayers for the Pope: Emphasize the need to pray for the Pope's intentions. This could be incorporated into all Jubilee events, perhaps with a specific prayer or a moment of silence during services.
Detachment from Sin: Teach that one must be detached from any sin, even venial, to gain a plenary indulgence.
Documentation: Provide a simple checklist or card for pilgrims to keep track of these conditions.