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

An extraordinary Holy Year is also scheduled for 2033 to mark the 2,000th anniversary of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

From Reuters • Mar. 17, 2023

Fervently hoping that the greatest enterprise undertaken at the World Center of the Faith will be consummated ere the conclusion of the festivities of the Holy Year.

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