Holy Year

American  

noun

Roman Catholic Church.

1. a jubilee year.

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Holy Year British  

noun

1. RC Church a period of remission from sin, esp one granted every 25 years

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Etymology

Origin of Holy Year

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Christmas 2025 also marks the end of the Catholic Church's Jubilee Holy Year, which has brought millions of pilgrims to Rome.

From Barron's • Dec. 24, 2025

This year, 2025, is a Catholic Holy Year, with 32 million pilgrims expected to travel to Rome.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2025

Francis’ call for humility and collaboration comes as the Vatican gears up for the 2025 Holy Year, with over 32 million pilgrims expected in Rome.

From Salon • Dec. 21, 2024

Ahead of the 2025 Holy Year, when millions of pilgrims are expected to visit the Vatican, the force will grow by 25 members to 135 members, an increase of nearly 23%.

From Reuters • Sep. 1, 2022

No worthier contribution can be offered on the altar of Bahá’í sacrifice, no greater honor won during the course of the Holy Year now swiftly drawing to its close.

From Messages to the Bahá’í World: 1950–1957 by Shoghi Effendi