The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington will host a Pilgrimage and Celebration of the Holy Jubilee 2025 on Saturday, May 31, at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.
The event, themed Pilgrims of Hope, is part of the global Jubilee Year proclaimed by Pope Francis. The day offers the faithful opportunities for prayer, worship and catechesis.
The celebration will begin at 12 p.m. at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine, where pilgrims can attend a music festival featuring performances by priests of the archdiocese. Catechetical sessions for adults will follow at 1 p.m. in English and Spanish. Additional sessions for youth and young adults will be offered in English.
Priests will be available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation throughout the day at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine, and confessions will also be heard at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, following its regular schedule, which is available on its website.
Special exhibits highlighting the Jubilee Year and its significance for the Church will be on display at the shrine.
A Eucharistic procession will begin at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine and continue to the basilica, with participants praying the rosary in multiple languages. At 3 p.m., adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will take place in the basilica and will include the Divine Mercy Chaplet.
The day will conclude with a 4:30 p.m. vigil Mass at the basilica. Washington Auxiliary Bishop Evelio Menjivar will serve as the main celebrant.
While registration is not required, attendees are encouraged to sign up online once registration becomes available to assist organizers with planning. An optional pre-ordered lunch will also be available.
Pilgrims who participate in the celebration may obtain a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions: sacramental confession, reception of Holy Communion, prayer for the intentions of the pope and full detachment from sin. The Church teaches that a plenary indulgence removes all temporal punishment due to sin when these conditions are met in connection with an indulgenced act, such as pilgrimage and prayer.
The event is free and open to all. For more information, visit the archdiocese’s official page for the Pilgrimage & Celebration of the Holy Jubilee 2025.
