Pilgrims on the Way of Hope: A Resource for the Jubilee of Prisoners

The Holy See has designated a number of Jubilee Days throughout 2025 to recognize and celebrate different groups of people and various ministries in the Church. The Jubilee of Prisoners will be held Dec. 14, 2025. For this Jubilee recognizing those in prison, we call to mind the nearly two million people in the United States who are incarcerated, detained, or awaiting execution. In solidarity, born from our shared dignity as children of God and members of the Body of Christ, we are called to participate in a ministry of restorative practices which seek to make whole all people impacted by crime and the carceral system. By doing so, we point to and embody the infinite love, mercy, and forgiveness of God to those who are locked behind bars, struggling during reentry, or lost in the trauma of crime.

In collaboration with the Catholic Prison Ministries Coalition, Catholic Mobilizing Network assisted in preparing this resource for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in honor of the Jubilee of Prisoners.

This compilation of resources can be used at any time throughout the Jubilee Year to prepare individuals, church groups, parishes and entire dioceses to engage and celebrate the dignity, resilience, and restoration of our sisters and brothers behind bars, those who have been harmed, and all who work to repair the breach.