Jubilee of Seminarians, Bishops and Priests

This retreat is an opportunity to celebrate, with the seminarians, bishops and priests - pilgrims of hope - gathered in Rome for the Jubilee event.

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Jubilee of Seminarians, Bishops and Priests

Saint Pope John Paul II called seminarians the “future and hope of the Church”; people need to have bishops, he said, “whom they can look upon as leaders in the quest for holiness”; and to priests he said: “The world looks to the priest because it looks to Jesus! No one can see Christ, but everyone sees the priest, and through him they wish to catch a glimpse of the Lord!”.

The last week of June brings together seminarians, bishops and priests for their own Jubilee celebrations (23-27 June) culminating in Mass on 27 June, the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, presided over by Pope Leo XIV.

It was nine years ago, on 3 June 2016, that Pope Francis spoke about the focal point of ministry which links those training to be priests, bishops, and priests:

“Contemplating the Heart of Christ, we are faced with the fundamental question of our priestly life: Where is my heart directed? It is a question we need to keep asking, daily, weekly… Where is my heart directed? Our ministry is often full of plans, projects and activities: from catechesis to liturgy, to works of charity, to pastoral and administrative commitments. Amid all these, we must still ask ourselves: What is my heart set on?”

Jesus says: “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matt. 6:21). The Jubilee of Seminarians, Bishops and Priests is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on how our hearts are turned to God and our brothers and sisters, to root our hearts firmly in the Lord. 

We journey as pilgrims of hope, in prayer, following in the footsteps of the holy apostles Peter and Paul. Let us return to the roots of our vocation, renewing our adherence to the Lord, so that we can bear wit­ness, with renewed vigour, to our Master and Lord, the only hope of the world.

The Programme

In preparation for and to coincide with the Jubilee event in Rome, a series of reflections and questions will be posted from 24 – 28 June 2025 to help us participate with the pilgrims of hope gathered in Rome.

Join us as pilgrims of hope for this major Jubilee event of 2025.

Retreat prayer

A Prayer for the Jubilee

Heavenly Father, we give thanks for the call to priesthood and for the countless years of service given to your Church. We pray for the strength and perseverance of the seminarians, the future leaders of our faith, that they may discern their vocation with clarity and grace, and be filled with your Holy Spirit. We also ask for the guidance of the bishops and priests, as they lead us and help us to grow in holiness and devotion. May the Jubilee year be a time of renewal and grace, strengthening their hearts and minds as they continue to preach the Gospel, offer sacraments, and lead us closer to you. Guide them with your Holy Spirit, that they may be faithful witnesses of your love and compassion. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.