Pilgrimage is a fundamental element of every Jubilee event. A pilgrimage on foot is a great aid for rediscovering the value of silence, effort and simplicity of life. (Bull 5)
2025 is the Jubilee Year of the Holy Church—a time centred on the theme of “hope”, filled with mercy and grace. A Jubilee is a special period symbolising liberation, forgiveness, and the boundless mercy of God. It is not only a personal invitation but also a communal call. Each of us is a fellow pilgrim on this sacred journey of “hope”, responding to God’s call to move towards a world that is more just, peaceful, and filled with hope. A key grace of the Jubilee is the granting of indulgences, an extraordinary gift that signifies the discovery of God’s infinite mercy: “Mercy and indulgence are expressions of the fullness of God’s forgiveness, which knows no bounds.” (Bull, 23)
During this Jubilee Year, the Associação Católica Cultural de Macao is introducing a pilgrimage route by foot entitled “Pilgrims of Hope: Macao Sacred Relics Pilgrimage”. Through contemplating the saints’ courageous witness to Christ and their steadfast hope amidst suffering, may we follow their examples and become true “Pilgrims of Hope.”
Let us embark together on this "Pilgrims of Hope: Macao Sacred Relics Pilgrimage". May we manifest the profound joy of faith through our heartfelt words and meaningful actions, walking together as fellow pilgrims on a shared journey to receive and celebrate the abundant blessings of this special Jubilee.
— D. Stephen Lee Bun Sang
Bishop of Macao
Chairman of Associação Católica Cultural de Macao
The Pilgrimage is a fundamental element of every Jubilee. The word “pilgrimage” comes from Latin—per ager (“across the fields”) or per eger (“border crossing”)—both highlighting the nature of a journey. It is an experience of conversion, aligning our lives more closely with God’s holiness. It is traditionally associated with our human quest for meaning in life. A pilgrimage on foot is a great aid for rediscovering the value of silence, effort and simplicity of life. (Bull 5)
Hope is the central message of this Jubilee. As St. Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans, "hope does not disappoint" (Rom 5:5). These words, spoken in the spirit of hope to the Christian community in Rome, are also a call to each of us as pilgrims today. Despite lives are full of challenges, and may even unable to see the light of hope. Nonetheless, the Jubilee provides us an opportunity to be renewed in hope, for hope is born of love—love that springs from the pierced heart of Jesus upon the cross." (Bull, 3)
In this Holy Year, through sincere contrition, the Sacraments, and the gift of the indulgence, we are called to be renewed in hope and to return to God. Pilgrimage, a central element of every Jubilee, is a profound experience of conversion. In this spirit, the Associação Católica Cultural de Macao presents a walking pilgrimage route entitled Pilgrims of Hope: Macao Sacred Relics Pilgrimage. Pilgrims are invited to contemplate the saints’ courageous witness to Christ and their steadfast hope in the face of suffering. All who complete this pilgrimage will receive a special book, Pilgrims of Hope: The Lives of One Hundred Saints (see “How to Participate” for details). May we follow the example of the saints and become true Pilgrims of Hope.
Pilgrimage Period
June 16 – August 31, 2025
Pilgrimage Route
Igreja do Seminário de São José (One of the designated Jubilee pilgrimage sites of the Diocese of Macao)
Igreja de São Lourenço
Igreja de Santo António
Igreja da Sé Catedral
How to Participate?
Pilgrims may undertake the Pilgrims of Hope: Macao Sacred Relics Pilgrimage by visiting on foot the four designated pilgrimage sites that enshrine the sacred relics.
Pilgrimage Passport & Stamps
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Pilgrims can obtain the Pilgrimage Passport at the following churches:
o Igreja do Seminário de São José
o Igreja de São Lourenço
o Igreja de Santo António
o Igreja da Sé Catedral
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Following the designated pilgrimage route (see page 16), pilgrims must collect the official pilgrimage stamps at each of these four churches and stamps on page 40 of their passport.
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After visiting all designated pilgrimage sites, they must ensure that the passport contains all four pilgrimage stamps.
Receiving the Pilgrims of Hope: The Lives of One Hundred Saints
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Upon completing the pilgrimage, each pilgrim may redeem one copy of the Pilgrims of Hope: The Lives of One Hundred Saints book at Dream Corner (Address: G/F, No. 15, Travessa da Sé, Macao; Operating Hours: 11:00-19:00) by presenting their stamped pilgrimage passport.
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Only those who have visited all four designated pilgrimage sites and have collected all required stamps are eligible to receive the book.
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Each eligible pilgrim may receive one copy only. Supplies are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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The organizer reserves the right to make additional changes to this participation method without prior notice. Any changes will be announced on the event website without prior notice.
Pilgrimage Route
Important Notes
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Faithful who devoutly make a pilgrimage to the above sites may obtain the Jubilee Indulgence granted by the Holy Father. For detailed guidelines, please refer to the decree on the granting of the indulgence during the ordinary Jubilee year 2025 called by Pope Francis.
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For pilgrimage groups of more than 10 people, please inform the respective parishes directly in advance. The Associação Católica Cultural de Macao does not provide any pilgrimage services nor arrangements.
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Parish Contact Numbers:
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Igreja do Seminário de São José (Tel: 2857-3718)
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Igreja de São Lourenço (Tel: 2857-3760)
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Igreja de Santo António (Tel: 2857-3732, 2857-1629)
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Igreja da Sé Catedral (Tel: 2837-3643)
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About Sacred Relics
What are sacred relics?
Relics are physical objects that have a direct association with the saints or with Our Lord. They are usually broken down into three classes. First class relics are the body or fragments of the body of a saint, such as pieces of bone or flesh. Second class relics are something that a saint personally owned, such as a shirt or book (or fragments of those items). Third class relics are those items that a saint has touched or that have been touched to a first class relic.
What does the Church teach about relic veneration?
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Council of Trent：“That the holy bodies of the saints and also of the martyrs and of others living with Christ, who were the living ‘members of Christ and the temple of the Holy Spirit’ (cf.1 Cor 3:16; 6:19; 2 Cor 6:16), which are to be awakened by Him to eternal life and to be glorified, are to be venerated by the faithful, through which many benefits are bestowed by God on men.” (Denzinger 985)
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Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, no. 111: “The saints have been traditionally honored in the Church and their authentic relics and images held in veneration.”
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The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), no. 1674: “Besides sacramental liturgy and sacramentals, catechesis must take into account the forms of piety and popular devotions among the faithful. The religious sense of the Christian people has always found expression in various forms of piety surrounding the Church’s sacramental life, such as the veneration of relics……”
What does Scripture say about relics?
In the Scripture, certain people received heavenly graces by “touching” sacred objects with faith:
1) Elisha picked up the mantle which had fallen from Elijah. He used it to strike the water and divided it (2 Kg 2:13-14);
2) When a corpse ‘touched’ the bones of Elisha, the dead man came back to life and stood up (2 King 13:20-21);
3) After ‘touching’ the hem of Jesus’ cloak, a woman with haemorrhage was healed (Mt 9:20-22);
4) When the face cloths or aprons that Paul had ‘touched’ were applied to the sick, people were healed and evil spirits were driven away (Acts 19: 11-12).
How should we venerate relics?
When venerating a relic, we should perform an exterior visible gesture that corresponds to our interior honour and respect for that saint. For example, we can kiss or touch the altar or reliquary, or make the sign of the cross before them while standing or kneeling in prayer, raising our hearts and minds to God and invoking the intercession of the saint for physical healing or spiritual graces.
Are Saints perfect?
To recognize the word that the Lord wishes to speak to us through one of his saints, we do not need to get caught up in details, for there we might also encounter mistakes and failures. Not everything a saint says is completely faithful to the Gospel; not everything he or she does is authentic or perfect. What we need to contemplate is the totality of their life, their entire journey of growth in holiness, the reflection of Jesus Christ that emerges when we grasp their overall meaning as a person. (Gaudete Et Exsultate 22)
What is the Jubilee?
“Jubilee” is the name given to a special year, derived from the word yobel—the ram's horn used to proclaim the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). According to Leviticus, the Israelites celebrated the Jubilee every 50 years. It was a time to restore right relationships with God, others, and creation. The Jubilee was a sign of reconciliation and opened the “acceptable time” for repentance (cf. 2 Cor 6:2).
The Gospel of Luke quotes Isaiah to describe Jesus’ mission: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord,” (Luke 4:18-19; cf. Isaiah 61:1-2). Jesus lived out these words in his daily encounters with others, bringing liberation and conversion.
In 1300, Pope Boniface VIII declared the first Jubilee, also known as a “Holy Year,” as a time for experiencing the transforming holiness of God. Today, the Jubilee Year is celebrated every 25 years, with special jubilees like the Year of Mercy in 2015,declared occasionally. Its observance has evolved: originally marked by pilgrimages to the basilicas of St. Peter and St. Paul, later with additional signs like the Holy Door. By participating in the Holy Year, one is granted a plenary indulgence.
The decree on the granting of the indulgence during the ordinary Jubilee year 2025
The Jubilee Logo depicts different figures embracing the Cross, symbolizing unity and unwavering hope. The rough waves beneath represent life’s challenges, emphasising the necessity of hope during difficult times. The Cross extends into an anchor, signifying Christ as our "anchor of hope," providing hope and stability in storms. Leaning toward humanity, the Cross affirms God’s presence and hope, guiding the Church on its journey. The bottom carries the Jubilee theme: Pilgrims of Hope (Peregrinantes in Spem).