Arkansas Concludes Jubilee Year With Closing Mass as Relics Tour, Pilgrimages Continue Across State
Table of Contents
- 1. Arkansas Concludes Jubilee Year With Closing Mass as Relics Tour, Pilgrimages Continue Across State
- 2. Key milestones from the Arkansas Jubilee Year
- 3. Evergreen takeaways for readers
- 4. Two questions for readers
- 5. Arkansas’s Holy Year Overview
- 6. St. Andrew’s Cathedral: The Heart of the Holy Year
- 7. Relic Tours Across Arkansas
- 8. Pilgrimage Routes: Mapping the Holy Year Journey
- 9. Closing Mass at St. Andrew’s Cathedral
- 10. Practical Information for visitors
- 11. Frequently Asked questions
- 12. Resources & further Reading
Arkansas’s Holy Jubilee Year draws too a close with a simple, solemn Mass at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Little Rock. Bishop Anthony B. Taylor presided as the liturgy marked the end of a year-long series of events, relics displays, and pilgrimages that engaged parishes across the state.
Approximately 100 worshippers attended the bilingual Mass on December 28. A reception followed in McDonald Hall.For the final procession, the Jubilee Cross was carried in by altar server Chimelem Kwelle, with her sister Chiwendu Kwelle accompanying it at the end of the Mass. The cross, crafted by Deacon Mark Verkamp of Charleston, houses a relic of the True Cross at its center.
Father Juan Guido, director of divine worship, announced that the cross will be placed near the confessionals at Christ the King Church in Little Rock, were it will remain until the conclusion of the remarkable Holy Year in 2033, which commemorates the 2,000th anniversary of Jesus’s death and resurrection.
In his homily,Bishop Taylor urged unity within the Church and among families,saying the Jubilee of Hope invites believers to pray for unity not only within their own households but across Christ’s community. He emphasized that true Church unity stems from commitment to the Lord and to one another.
The closing Holy Year is linked to a papal declaration, with Pope Leo XIV formally closing the jubilee on January 6 at the Vatican.
Key milestones from the Arkansas Jubilee Year
| Date | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| December 29, 2024 | Opening Mass | St. Edward Church to Cathedral of St. Andrew | Bishops announced five Jubilee Churches in Little Rock,Fort Smith,Helena and Pine Bluff; indulgences to be received at designated sites |
| March 2025 | Expanded ancient tours | Cathedral of St. Andrew | More tours offered to Catholics and local residents |
| May 2025 | Tree of Hope relics tour | Across Arkansas | Relics of st. Damien de Veuster and St.Marianne cope traveled to several parish stops |
| June 2025 | Two Jubilee Celebrations | Christ the King, Little Rock; St. Raphael, springdale | Hopes and themes of the Jubilee were shared by local priests |
| September 2025 | Pilgrimage to Italy | Italy | Led by Father Mauricio Carrasco; included Rome’s holy doors and Pope Francis’s tomb |
| October 2025 | Second pilgrimage to Italy | Italy | Led by Father Brian cundall; featured The Last Supper in Milan and St. Carlo Acutis’s tomb in Assisi |
| November 8, 2025 | Relics of St. Therese on display | Christ the King Church, Little Rock | Attendance exceeded 4,000 worshippers |
The Archbishop’s year-long journey culminates as Arkansans reflect on unity within faith communities and the enduring appeal of sacred relics and pilgrimages. The ongoing relics displays and planned future tours are expected to continue drawing participants to parish settings across the state in the years ahead, as Arkansas lives into the broader 2,000-year Christian narrative.
Looking ahead, parishioners and visitors can anticipate continued opportunities to engage with the Jubilee themes of hope and unity through additional tours, prayers, and global pilgrimages coordinated by diocesan leaders and local churches.
Evergreen takeaways for readers
Religious commemorations like this Jubilee Year can strengthen community bonds by offering shared rituals, traveling relic displays, and pilgrimages that connect small communities with broader traditions. They also illustrate how faith communities adapt long-standing practices into contemporary programs, blending liturgy with educational tours and international journeys.
Two questions for readers
Will you participate in a Jubilee-related event or relic display in your area this year? How do such religious observances influence your sense of community and belonging?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below or on social media to join the dialog about faith, unity, and tradition.
Arkansas’s Holy Year Overview
- Holy Year 2025‑2026: Declared by Pope Francis, teh Holy year invites Catholics worldwide to deepen faith through pilgrimages, sacraments, and charitable works.
- Archdiocese of Little Rock: Launched a statewide “Arkansas Holy year” programme that links historic churches,relic sites,and cultural landmarks.
- Key dates:
- opening Jubilee Mass – March 29 2025, St. Andrew’s cathedral, Little Rock.
- Relic Tour series – monthly from April 2025 to August 2026.
- Closing Mass – December 31 2026, St. andrew’s Cathedral, featuring the final blessing of the holy Year relics.
St. Andrew’s Cathedral: The Heart of the Holy Year
Location & Significance
- Situated at 1320 Scott Street, Little Rock, the cathedral serves as the mother church of the Archdiocese.
- Home to the Cathedral’s relic chapel,housing relics of St. Andrew, St. Patrick,and the Blessed Virgin.
Architectural Highlights
- Neo‑Gothic façade with a 150‑foot bell tower.
- Stained‑glass windows depicting arkansas’s Catholic heritage, including the frist Mass in Arkansas (1673).
Visitor Experience
- Guided “Jubilee Journey” tours (30 min) available on Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Audio guide app (free download) offers in‑depth commentary on relics, liturgical art, and Holy Year symbolism.
Relic Tours Across Arkansas
| Date | Site | Relic Featured | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 12 2025 | Shrine of Our Lady of the Ozarks (Mount Olive, AR) | Relic of St. Catherine of Siena | Outdoor procession, devotional rosary, local folk‑art exhibits |
| May 17 2025 | St. John the Baptist Parish (Benton) | Relic of St. John the Baptist | Historic parish museum, live organ recital |
| June 21 2025 | Little Rock Catholic College Campus | Relic of St. Thomas Aquinas | Academic symposium on Catholic theology in the Arkansas River Valley |
| July 15 2025 | Holy Cross Church (Hope) | Relic of the holy Cross (fragment) | Healing prayer service, community lunch with Southern cuisine |
| August 19 2025 | Mount St. Helena monastery (near Hot springs) | Relic of St. Helena | Silent retreat, guided meditation on the Passion |
Tour Structure
- Opening blessing – each location receives a bishop’s blessing of the relic.
- Catechetical Talk – 10‑minute presentation on the saint’s life and relevance to Arkansas Catholics.
- Free adoration – Open to personal prayer for 30 minutes.
- Closing Hymn – Traditional chants sung by local choirs.
Practical Tips
- Transportation: Most tours provide a shuttle service from St. Andrew’s Cathedral; reserve seats 48 hours in advance.
- Dress Code: Modest attire required for all sacred spaces (shoulders covered, no shorts).
- Family‑Pleasant: Children’s activity kits (coloring pages, saint stories) available at each stop.
Pilgrimage Routes: Mapping the Holy Year Journey
1. Little Rock to hot Springs Pilgrimage Trail
- Distance: 55 miles, scenic drive along the Ouachita National Forest.
- Key Stops: St. Andrew’s Cathedral → Holy Cross Church → Mount St. Helena Monastery.
- Suggested itinerary: 3 days, 20 miles per day, includes nightly reflection sessions at local hotels offering “pilgrim packages.”
2. Ozark Highlands Spiritual Loop
- distance: 78 miles, winding through the Ozark Mountains.
- Key Stops: Shrine of Our Lady of the Ozarks → St. John the Baptist Parish → st. Francis Xavier Church (Fayetteville).
- Highlight: Evening campfire prayer with local Knights of Columbus chapter.
3. River Valley Catholic Heritage Route
- distance: 42 miles along the Arkansas River.
- Key Stops: St. Andrew’s Cathedral → Little Rock Catholic College → St. Michael’s Church (Conway).
- Special Feature: River‑bank Eucharistic adoration at sunset.
Benefits of Pilgrimage
- Deepened personal faith through sacramental participation.
- Community building across parish lines.
- Promotion of cultural tourism that supports local economies.
Closing Mass at St. Andrew’s Cathedral
Date & Time
- December 31 2026, 7:00 p.m. (New Year’s Eve Vigil).
liturgical Highlights
- Pontifical Blessing: Archbishop Anthony John Côté will impart the final Holy Year blessing on the relic collection.
- Processional Relic display: All relics from the year-long tours will be carried in a solemn procession beneath the cathedral’s high altar.
- New Year’s Prayer of Peace: Joint participation of clergy from every participating parish in Arkansas.
Special Music & Media
- Choral Ensemble: Little Rock Philharmonic Chorus performs “Panis Angelicus” and “O Gloria in Excelsis.”
- Live Stream: Archyde.com will host a high‑definition webcast with interactive chat for remote worshippers.
Post‑Mass Celebration
- Candle‑lit Reception in the cathedral’s Parish Hall.
- “Jubilee Journal” giveaway – a printed compendium of pilgrimage stories, relic photos, and reflections from Arkansas Catholics.
Practical Information for visitors
- Tickets & Reservations: Free admission; RSVP required for the Closing Mass via the archdiocese website (deadline Nov 30 2026).
- Parking: Cathedral underground garage (capacity 150 vehicles) – validation available for parish members.
- Accommodations: partner hotels within walking distance offer “Holy Year rooms” with complimentary rosary beads and breakfast.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair‑accessible ramps, sign‑language interpreters, and audio‑described tours on request.
Frequently Asked questions
Q1: Can non‑Catholics attend the relic tours?
A: Yes.All tours are open to the public; non‑Catholics are welcome to observe and learn about Arkansas’s religious heritage.
Q2: How many relics are being displayed in total?
A: The Holy year program features 27 authentic relics spanning 12 saints, plus a fragment of the True Cross.
Q3: Are there opportunities for confession during the Holy Year?
A: Each pilgrimage site offers a sacramental schedule (confession slot) on the day of the tour, announced on the archdiocese calendar.
Q4: What safety measures are in place for large gatherings?
A: Certified security staff, medical tents, and COVID‑19 (if applicable) protocols (mask optional, hand‑sanitizing stations).
Resources & further Reading
- Archdiocese of Little Rock – Holy Year Calendar: https://littlerockarch.org/holy-year
- St. Andrew’s Cathedral Official Site: https://standrews.org
- Arkansas Catholic Heritage Trail Guide (PDF): downloadable from the Arkansas Department of Tourism.
