An ancient symbol of the Church signifying hope and security. It was found among the catacomb inscriptions of the first century. Before the fourth century, the anchor was often represented with a dolphin or two fishes suspended from the crossbar, as a symbol of Christ.
Glossary
Terms to help you understand Jubilee Year 2025
The first sacrament, baptism incorporates us into the Church and, through it, we are ‘reborn’ as children of God.
From the Latin conversio, meaning ‘to turn around’. In the New Testament, the Greek writers used the word metanoia, meaning a change of heart, particularly towards repentance and towards God.
From the Latin fides, faith refers to trust in God’s promises. It develops knowledge of and relationship with God.
Defined in Catechism of the Catholic Church as ‘the power, rooted in reason and will, to act or not to act, to do this or that, and so to perform deliberate actions on one’s own responsibility. By free will one shapes one’s own life’ (#1731).
From the Latin spes, hope is that virtue by which we take responsibility both for ourselves and for the world. It is rooted in the fulfilment of God’s promises in Christ.
A season or occasion of joyful celebration. Biblical origins of the word come from the Hebrew yobel or yovel, meaning a ram’s horn, trumpet or cornet.
The virtue that enables us to assume our responsibilities and to give others their due. Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches: ‘Justice is the moral virtue that consists in the constant and firm will to give their due to God and neighbor’ (#1807).
Love, when used as a synonym for charity, refers to divine love. It empowers Christians to love God and others as Jesus does.
A journey to a sacred place; a ritual journey of moral or spiritual significance. Every step along the way has meaning. The pilgrim knows that life-giving challenges will emerge.
The raising of one’s mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God. To pray is to respond to the wonder and mystery of life. In the Christian tradition, prayer fosters a personal and living relationship with God.
The sacrament of Reconciliation is not only a magnificent spiritual gift, but also a decisive, essential and fundamental step on our journey of faith. There, we allow the Lord to erase our sins, to heal our hearts, to raise us up, to embrace us, and to reveal to us his tender and compassionate countenance.
