Things you should know about the Jubilee

History of the jubilee

Our Pope Francis has convoked a jubilee this year to be called the Holy Year of Mercy. The Catholic Church has called jubilee years every 25 or 50 years since the year 1300 and has also called special jubilee years from time to time, known as “extraordinary” jubilee years. This year, in fact, the world will behold an extraordinary jubilee. This remarkable event will begin on this year's Catholic feast of the Immaculate Conception, celebrated Dec. 8 2015, with the opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. The other holy doors of basilicas around the world will then be opened as a sign of God opening a new pathway to salvation. The jubilee will close next year on Nov. 20, 2016.

Pope Francis says he is “convinced that the whole church -- that has much need to receive mercy because we are sinners — will find in this jubilee the joy to rediscover and render fruitful the mercy of God, with which we are all called to give consolation to every man and woman of our time". He adds, "let us not forget that God pardons and God pardons always… let us never tire of asking for forgiveness". The motto, "Merciful Like the Father," he said, "serves as an invitation to follow the merciful example of the Father who asks us not to judge or condemn but to forgive and to give love and forgiveness without measure."

"We entrust it as of now to the Mother of Mercy, because she looks to us with her gaze and watches over our way," Francis said. "Our penitential way, our way of open hearts, during a year to receive the indulgence of God, to receive the mercy of God."

The Pope’s unique approach

By now we have all understood that Pope Francis has a “different” approach! He is considered as perhaps the most down to earth and humble Pope to have ever existed. The last jubilee was convoked by Pope John Paul II; one of the most loved popes in history. That jubilee was definitely awe-inspiring! Without doubt, however, this year’s jubilee will be something the world has never seen. For instance, Pope Francis wants the jubilee for inmates to be celebrated not only in prisons, but also with him in St. Peter's Basilica. He said the council is discussing the possibility with government authorities and is not yet sure if it can be done. The Vatican is asking bishops and priests around the world to conduct "similar symbolic gestures of communion with Pope Francis" and his vision of reaching out to those on the margins.