October 26, 2025

2025 was designated by Pope Franics as “The Jubilee Year of Hope.” As such, the Holy Father offered a plenary indulgence. That may be an unfamiliar term to many. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, a plenary indulgence “is a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven…” That pertains to the sins which we have confessed and have been forgiven yet we still live with the lingering effects of those sins. This would include an unhealthy attachment to sins. In other words, those sins to which we can become
slaves. The object of a plenary indulgence is to be rid of those sins and their effects.

Certain conditions must be met in order to gain the indulgence. In addition to being in the state of grace, a person must have the interior disposition of complete detachment from sin, even venial sin; have sacramentally confessed their sins; receive the Holy Eucharist; (these last two should be done shortly before or after the pilgrimage) and pray for the intentions of the Holy Father.

In order to help facilitate those who wish to receive the indulgence, Saint George will sponsor a pilgrimage to several churches in the City of Chicago on Friday, November 21. We will begin with Mass at 8:15 AM, then board a bus that will take us to Holy Name Cathedral, Saint Clement Church, Saint Alphonsus Church (Chicago) and Our Lady of the Lake Church. All of these are among the gems of the Archdiocese of Chicago, renowned for their beauty and prayerful atmosphere. If you have never seen any of these churches, you are in for a treat! You might want to Google them, just to take a look at some of the pictures and history of each church.

The cost for the luxury bus and lunch will be $35 per person. It is important that pilgrims know there will be some steps, so it is necessary that walking not be too big an issue. Space is limited to 38 people, so make your reservation today!

In other news, we are grateful to have Father John back in the saddle with us. His devotion to his mother is an example for everyone. Please let him know how appreciative you are of his ministry at Saint George.

Welcome back, Father Joh26