Bishop Mark Eckman to celebrate the closing Holy Year Mass December 28

On Sunday, December 28 at noon in Saint Paul Cathedral, Bishop Mark Eckman will celebrate the local concluding Mass of the yearlong Jubilee of Hope that the late Pope Francis opened last Christmas Eve.
 
The Catholic Church celebrates a holy year, also known as a jubilee, every 25 years. The tradition is rooted in biblical teaching, and offers special opportunities to receive mercy, grow in faith, serve those in need and work for justice and peace. While the Diocese of Pittsburgh is holding its closing Mass on December 28 – the Feast of the Holy Family – the worldwide celebration will officially end on Epiphany, January 6. At that Mass, Pope Leo is scheduled to close the Holy Door of Saint Peter Basilica in Rome, which is open only during holy years for pilgrims to receive special blessings.
 
Pope Francis opened Jubilee 2025 with the theme “pilgrims of hope.” Throughout the year, in Rome and in dioceses worldwide, specialized jubilee celebrations offered prayers and activities for people in all stages of life and in many vocations, as well as for the poor, prisoners and others in danger or distress.
 
In the Diocese of Pittsburgh one church in each of its six counties was designated a “pious visit site,” where parishioners could make local pilgrimages and receive the same papal blessings as those who went to Rome. Hundreds of local pilgrims did travel to Rome, either through parish-sponsored pilgrimages or the diocesan pilgrimage that then-Auxiliary Bishop Eckman led in March, before Pope Leo named him the Bishop of Pittsburgh.
 
 “The Jubilee of Hope has renewed our spirits and lit a path that we can follow into the future,” Bishop Eckman said. “Inspired by the prayers and encouragement of Pope Francis and Pope Leo, we will continue as pilgrims of hope, offering mercy and charity to those in need, and sharing the love of Jesus with everyone we meet.”
 
      Saint Paul Cathedral is at 108 N. Dithridge St., Pittsburgh, 15312. Parking at the Cathedral is limited.
      
       Media are welcome to attend, but are asked to observe the movement restrictions below
 
Guidelines for media:
1.   Roving camerapersons, either still or television, will be restricted to the side aisles only and will not be permitted to move forward of the fixed television platforms, where remote cameras are stationed. At no time will cameras be permitted in the center aisle. 
2.   No media personnel will be allowed to remain in the vestibule in the half-hour immediately before the Mass, as all available space will be needed for those directly involved in the ceremony. 
3.   There will be no balcony access for photographers. 
4.   At the Cathedral on the day of the Mass, contact Bill Hill, 724-622-0958.