The Jubilee is universally recognised as a time for preparation, reflection, and reconciliation—a sacred moment to address the inequalities of our world. This Jubilee takes on a new dimension by celebrating the significant contributions of women in theology, philosophy, and Christian thought. It is an invitation to rediscover the lives and works of the great women saints who have shaped the Church and continue to inspire faith today.
A Jubilee Rooted in Equality and Justice
Pope Francis has underscored the importance of addressing issues of equality, particularly regarding the role of women in the Church. The UN has consistently pointed out the essential need for gender equity in fostering sustainable peace and prosperity. In this spirit, the Jubilee serves as a platform to elevate the contributions of women, not just in the Church but globally, as essential participants in the human family.
This Jubilee embraces the voices of women, drawing inspiration from their lives, works, and spiritual guidance. The Church calls on its faithful to reflect on the contributions of women as thinkers, mystics, and witnesses of God’s love, and to honour their enduring legacy.
The Patrons of Faith
The Pope’s initiative brings the spotlight to remarkable women saints who have left an indelible mark on Christianity. Figures such as St. Brigid of Sweden, St. Teresa of Ávila, St. Edith Stein, and St. Hildegard of Bingen are celebrated as both patrons of the Jubilee and guiding lights for our time. These women represent the profound relationship between spiritual wisdom and transformative action.
St. Brigid, known for her deep spirituality and influence in medieval Europe, exemplifies the call to bridge cultural and spiritual divides. St. Teresa of Ávila, a reformer and mystic, reminds us of the power of prayer and inner renewal. Edith Stein, a philosopher and martyr, demonstrates courage in the face of persecution. Hildegard of Bingen, a visionary and theologian, offers insight into the harmonious relationship between faith, creation, and humanity.
Through these saints, the Church not only honours women’s contributions but also inspires new generations to seek holiness and wisdom in their own lives.
A Pilgrimage of Discovery
One of the key themes of this Jubilee is the special itinerary designed to guide pilgrims through the lives and teachings of these great women saints. From Piazza Farnese to the Vatican, pilgrims will embark on a path that reflects their spiritual journeys. This journey is more than a physical pilgrimage—it is an opportunity to delve into the deep truths these saints revealed through their writings, prayers, and lives.
For example, Hildegard of Bingen’s teachings on creation challenge us to care for the earth, embracing ecological responsibility as part of our faith. St. Teresa of Ávila’s works on prayer and the soul’s journey toward God offer a roadmap for personal transformation. These themes resonate deeply in our world today, making their message as urgent as ever.
Women at the Heart of the Jubilee 2025 in Rome
Pope Francis has called for greater responsibilities to be entrusted to women in the Church, not as a token gesture, but as a recognition of their integral role in the faith community. He has emphasised the need for their presence in leadership, decision-making, and spiritual guidance. The Jubilee, therefore, becomes a platform to reflect on how the Church can continue to grow in this area, drawing from the examples of the great women saints as models of leadership, wisdom, and courage.
This Jubilee is a reminder that the Church, like the saints it celebrates, is called to be a prophetic voice in the world. By honouring women as patrons and doctors of the Church, it acknowledges their indispensable contributions and challenges all of us to deepen our commitment to equality, justice, and faith.
As pilgrims walk through the streets of Rome, guided by the legacy of these remarkable women, they are called to carry their message into the world. This Jubilee is a sacred opportunity to build a more inclusive Church, to foster dialogue, and to promote peace and understanding in our communities.
Let us embrace this Jubilee with open hearts, ready to learn from the wisdom of the saints and to honour the vital role of women in the Church and beyond. May their example inspire us to live lives of faith, service, and love, reflecting the light of Christ in a world that so desperately needs it.
