(ZENIT News / Naples, 01.19.2025).- The iconic Italian Navy vessel, “Amerigo Vespucci”, known worldwide for its majestic three-masted design and cultural diplomacy, is set to chart new waters in 2025—this time as a symbol of faith. Officially designated as a “Jubilee Church” by Archbishop Santo Marcianò of the Italian Armed Forces, the storied ship will offer spiritual solace to pilgrims seeking plenary indulgences during the Holy Year.
The Vessel’s Transformation
Built in 1931, the “Amerigo Vespucci” is renowned as both a naval training ship and an ambassador of Italian heritage. Since mid-2023, it has been circumnavigating the globe, making stops in cities across all five continents. Now, it takes on an additional role: a floating sanctuary where acts of devotion, reflection, and prayer will take place.
“This Jubilee Year calls for hope,” Archbishop Marcianò stated during the ship’s designation ceremony. “And what better symbol of hope than a vessel that bridges cultures and faiths while carrying the message of peace across the world?”
Unlike traditional churches and sanctuaries, the “Amerigo Vespucci” offers an unconventional yet deeply symbolic space for spiritual renewal. Pilgrims who visit the ship during its scheduled stops through December 2025 can participate in mass, guided by Catholic chaplains who have long been part of the ship’s crew. These chaplains, Archbishop Marcianò noted, “have silently but effectively nurtured the spiritual life of sailors, and now extend their mission to pilgrims worldwide.”
The ship’s Jubilee designation aligns with broader themes of pilgrimage and penance that define the Holy Year. Catholics seeking a plenary indulgence can do so through various acts: visiting a designated sacred site, praying in Roman churches, performing works of mercy, or even fasting from social media. The “Amerigo Vespucci” now joins a list of extraordinary locations, blending naval heritage with spiritual significance.
A Message of Forgiveness and Peace
Archbishop Marcianò inaugurated the Holy Year for the Italian Military Ordinariate with a poignant reminder of the transformative power of forgiveness. Speaking from the Church of Santa Maria Capua Vetere near Naples, he emphasized that reconciliation is at the heart of a culture of peace.
“Forgiving others often begins with forgiving ourselves,” he said, drawing parallels between the physical journeys undertaken by military personnel and the spiritual pilgrimage of faith. He encouraged the faithful to view the Jubilee as a time for deepening their communion with God and strengthening their resolve to serve justice and peace.
A Network of Jubilee Sites and Jubilee of Armed Forces and Police
The “Amerigo Vespucci” joins a network of Jubilee sites designated for the Italian Military Ordinariate, including the Church of Santa Caterina da Siena in Rome, the Military Hospital Chapel at Celio, and the penitentiary chapel in Santa Maria Capua Vetere. International peacekeeping missions and naval bases will also host sacred celebrations, underscoring the global reach of the Jubilee.
A key highlight of the Holy Year will be the Jubilee of the Armed Forces and Police, scheduled for February 8–9, 2025, in Rome. Military personnel from across the globe will gather for a celebration of unity and faith. Events will include a welcoming ceremony in one of Rome’s iconic squares, a concert featuring military bands, and a pilgrimage to the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, culminating in a papal Mass. Leading up to the event, European Military Ordinaries will convene to discuss common challenges and share insights on integrating faith into service.
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