Jubilee 2025: Thanks for Visiting

Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope was a fantastic year at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods!

Thousands of pilgrims visited the Church of the Immaculate Conception and the Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, both of which were designated as official Jubilee Pilgrimage Sites in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis heading into the Catholic Jubilee year.

These visitors also had opportunities to visit many more sacred spaces during their stay, seeing the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, Saint Anne Shell Chapel and more.

As General Superior Sister Dawn Tomaszewski, SP, stated, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods is indeed a “thin place.”

“They speak of feeling deep peace and tranquility,” Sister Dawn said.
Pilgrims attended Mass at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Sister Barbara Bluntzer, SP, and others provided tours for many of them throughout the year and self-guided tours took place as well, giving pilgrims many opportunities to breathe in all at the Woods. Several schools enjoyed field trips and students of all ages visited the Woods.

We also hosted singer-songwriter and advocate Carrie Newcomer for a concert and a workshop in late October in the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Conservatory of Music.

We hope you enjoy some of these memories from Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope. We certainly loved visiting with you and look forward to seeing you soon!

Originally published in the winter 2026 issue of HOPE magazine.