February 21, 2025

Thomas Aquinas College to host Jubilee Mass and devotions

REGIONAL
Staff report

NORTHFIELD – Thomas Aquinas College will host a Jubilee Mass and devotions, Saturday, Feb. 22 beginning at 1:15 p.m. Our Mother of Perpetual Help Chapel on campus is one of seven designated churches in the Diocese of Springfield that will be a pilgrimage site during Jubilee 2025, which is entitled “Pilgrims of Hope.”  On Christmas Eve, Pope Francis kicked off the celebration by opening the Holy Doors at St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. The jubilee year runs through Jan. 6, 2026, the Solemnity of the Epiphany.

 “We are delighted that Bishop Byrne has designated the chapel as a Jubilee Pilgrimage Site, and we look forward to welcoming pilgrims throughout the Jubilee Year,” said Father Greg Markey, the head chaplain at Thomas Aquinas College. “However, we also wanted to offer a special occasion for pilgrims to celebrate the Jubilee with our community.” 

The devotions will begin with eucharistic adoration, starting at 1:15 p.m., followed by Mass at 2:00 p.m., with an opportunity to go to confession the entire time. After Mass, Father Markey will lead the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. A light reception will follow in Olivia Music Hall.

“We pray that this Mass will be spiritually beneficial to all who attend,” said Steven Cain, Ph.D., dean of Thomas Aquinas College, New England. “In this Jubilee Year, we want to give pilgrims a reason to hope.” 

Other holy doors were opened at the Rome basilicas of St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major and St. Paul Outside the Walls. These basilicas and local churches are designated places where pilgrims will receive an indulgence after receiving Holy Communion, going to confession and praying for the pope’s intentions.

 “It is a great honor to be included as one of seven pilgrimage sites for the Diocese of Springfield,” said Cain. “We hope that the people of the diocese find an opportunity to visit this year and celebrate the Jubilee together with us.” 

The other local sacred sites are: St. Michael’s Cathedral in Springfield; St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Basilica in Chicopee; the Dominican Nuns Adoration Chapel in West Springfield; National Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Stockbridge; the Monastery Chapel at the Sisters of Visitation in Tyringham; and the Newman Catholic Center at UMass in Amherst.