2025 marks the 2,025th anniversary of the Incarnation of our Lord, or birth of Christ. According to Pope Francis, this anniversary is an "event of great spiritual, ecclesial, and social significance in the life of the Church." The concept of "Jubilee" has its origins in Chapter 25 of the Book of Leviticus as a special year of reconciliation, pilgrimage, and coming home. Pope Francis has designated the 2025 Holy Year as a time to renew ourselves as Pilgrims of Hope.
Why visit one Shrine, when you can make a pilgrimage to three?
In the spirit of unity and collaboration during this Jubilee Year, The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, the National Shrine of St. John Neumann, and the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia have come together with the goal of warmly welcoming pilgrims to all three shrines with our new “Pilgrim’s Passport.”
The Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, has designated the Basilica Shrine, Saint John Neumann Shrine, and Saint Rita Shrine as Sacred Jubilee Sites, which means people visiting can obtain a Jubilee Indulgence if the general conditions are met.
With three shrines located within the city of Philadelphia, the choice of when to visit is up to you. Plan a peaceful, prayerful, day-long or multi-day pilgrimage during this Holy Year. The “Pilgrim’s Passport” allows you to make visits at your own pace.
Our Pilgrim’s Passport
During the Jubilee Year, pilgrims are invited to deepen their faith by embarking on a spiritual journey to Sacred Jubilee Sites throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. This special “Pilgrim’s Passport” will help track your visits and acts of devotion as you engage in prayer, participate in the Sacraments, and do acts of service throughout this sacred year.
Here’s how it works:
1. Obtain Your Passport: Visit one of the three participating Sacred Jubilee Sites to receive your official Pilgrim’s Passport for the Jubilee Year. At the National Shrine of Saint Rita, you can obtain your passport in the Gift Shop. Children will receive a rosary wristband instead of a passport.
2. Visit Sacred Jubilee Sites: Travel to any of the participating pilgrimage locations to engage in prayer and participate in the Sacraments.
3. Get Your Passport Stamped: After each visit, ask a shrine staff member to stamp your passport as proof of your pilgrimage and spiritual participation. Children will receive a rosary wristband representing the color of a particular Shrine rather than having their passport stamped. At the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia, you can ask our Gift Shop Associate for the stamp or wristband.
4. Complete Your Pilgrimage: Once you have visited all three sites to complete your pilgrimage journey, review your passport to ensure all the stamps are in place.
5. Receive Your Jubilee Medals: Submit your completed passport to one of the Sacred Jubilee Sites to receive your Jubilee Year medals. Children will also receive a Jubilee Year pin with medals when they show their rosary wristbands.
We look forward to seeing you during this Jubilee Year!
Learn more about each of the Sacred Jubilee Sites:
