Closing the Jubilee Year, the Diocese of Erie gives thanks for a Year of Hope
By Melanie Sisinni01/03/2026
On Dec. 28, the Diocese of Erie marked the close of the Jubilee Year of Hope with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Lawrence Persico at Saint Peter Cathedral. The liturgy brought together clergy, religious and faithful from across northwestern Pennsylvania to give thanks for a Holy Year that invited renewed trust in God’s mercy and presence.
The Mass coincided with the Feast of the Holy Family, which Bishop Persico reflected upon in his homily as a fitting context for the conclusion of the Jubilee. He reminded the congregation that families are “the first and best places for the love of God to come alive,” and pointed to Jesus, Mary and Joseph as a model of faithfulness amid challenge.
Turning to the significance of the Jubilee, Bishop Persico noted that the closing Mass was celebrated in cathedrals around the world on the same day, uniting the local church with the universal church.
“A Jubilee Year is a significant moment in the life of the church in which she celebrates the year of messianic favor inaugurated by Christ through his Incarnation and Paschal Mystery,” said Bishop Persico. He explained that pilgrimages, the Sacrament of Reconciliation and works of mercy were central expressions of the Holy Year and tangible ways the faithful encountered God’s grace.
Reflecting on the past year, Bishop Persico expressed gratitude for the many opportunities embraced by the faithful.
“As a Diocese we can look back upon this Holy Year with gratitude,” said Bishop Persico, recalling those who made pilgrimages to Saint Peter Cathedral and Saint Leo Magnus Parish in Ridgway, the diocesan pilgrimage to Rome and the prayerful participation of countless individuals and families. He also noted the role of diocesan resources, including the Jubilee website and the Jubilee Journey newsletter, in helping people engage more deeply with the Holy Year.
Throughout his homily, the bishop returned to the Jubilee theme of hope, drawn from the Late Pope Francis’ bull of indiction, Spes Non Confundit. Quoting the document, he reminded the assembly that “in the heart of each person, hope dwells as the desire and expectation of good things to come,” even amid uncertainty. He emphasized that the Jubilee was intended to renew hearts and strengthen faith at a time when many struggle with discouragement and doubt.
The closing Mass also looked beyond the end of the Holy Year. Bishop Persico stressed that the Jubilee’s conclusion did not signal an end to its call.
“With the closing of the Holy Year, it doesn’t mean that we do not continue as pilgrims of Hope,” he said. “As we stand on the threshold of a new year, may we all continue as witnesses of believers for our world as leavens of authentic hope.”
While the Jubilee Year concluded locally with the Dec. 28 Mass, the Holy Year continued for the universal church through the celebrations of the Feast of the Epiphany. The final Holy Door to close was that of Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome on Jan. 6 at 9:30 a.m., with a Closure Rite and Mass presided over by Pope Leo XIV. With those celebrations, the Jubilee of Hope officially came to its conclusion, sending Catholics forward to live the fruits of the Holy Year in daily life and mission.
View photos here.
-