2025 is a Jubilee year for the Catholic Church, and Timothy Cardinal Dolan, archbishop of New York, has chosen Graymoor in Garrison as a pilgrimage site. “This is a remarkable gift from God,” according to Graymoor.
The Jubilee typically occurs every 25 years, and according to the Vatican News, “it’s a chance for the faithful to visit holy sites, perform pious works, and have their sins remitted.”
The Jubilee Year tradition dates back to the 14th century, and is rooted in Scripture, particularly Leviticus 25: “It will be a Jubilee for you. Each of you shall return to his own property, and each shall return to his own clan.”
Jubilee 2025 is the Year of Hope. It started on Christmas Eve of 2024 and runs until the Feast of the Epiphany on Jan. 6, 2026.
Graymoor is one of only nine pilgrimage sites in the archdiocese. The others: the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Middletown, Mount Alvernia Retreat Center in Wappingers Falls, the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Stony Point, and five parishes in New York City.
The Franciscan Friars and Sisters of the Atonement have called Graymoor home for more than 125 years. It’s situated on 450 acres right off Route 9 in Garrison, and all are welcome – regardless of their faith.
Being chosen for the Jubilee is “a reminder to us that the cardinal appreciates what we are doing and continuing to share with others. It’s kind of a pat on the back for our continued work,” says Father James Gardiner – who took his first vows with the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement in 1961, and he’s also former director of the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center. “We were founded in 1898, so we have traction doing this sort of thing. It’s one of the cardinal’s ways of saying, ‘Boys well done and keep up the good work.’ ”
Groups and individuals from far and wide will be visiting throughout the year to renew their faith through services, prayer, retreats and events – and they’ll all be greeted by a new sign at the front gate that says, “Welcome Pilgrims of Hope.”
“Anyone can stop by. We will have Mass every day at 11:15 a.m. for the entire Jubilee year and we welcome groups,” says Father Gardiner.
The Jubilee attracts people of all ages. Father Gardiner says students from Manhattanville College stayed for a weeklong retreat, “having meals with the brothers and sisters and doing activities we will engage in.”
“Graymoor is thrilled to be chosen so that everyone can see what we see every day. Everyone who works here is in love with the place, and what we offer here. Everyone is always welcome but consider this a formal invitation,” says retreat center director Kacey Morabito-Grean.
Morabito-Grean is leading several events in conjunction with the Jubilee, including chapel tours. Self-guided audio tours are also available.
Pilgrims can also attend daylong “Day of Hope” retreats. The theme: “Hope.”
Prominent guests and speakers will also be featured at Graymoor for the Jubilee, including Jessica Cox. She’s an inspirational speaker leading an event called Hope Soars, where she discusses her fascinating life – including how she became a pilot even though she was born without arms.
Graymoor also hosting renowned author Kathleen Brady speaking about her book Frances and Clare the Struggles of the Saints of Assisi.
- Atonementfriars.org
PHOTO: Jim Gardiner
CAPTION: Father James Gardiner took his first vows with the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement in 1961. Photo supplied
