Celebrating the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy

Jubilees are rare occurrences as far as Catholic celebrations are concerned and they are usually planned for years in advance, the last example was the 2000 Jubilee that was decried under Pope John Paul II. An event that is both more rare and significant is an Extraordinary Jubilee, called at a time when the current Pontiff is inspired to grant a universal pardon for the faithful. After just a short time at the head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis has determined that 2016 will be an Extraordinary Jubilee year, one of Mercy.

A Celebration of Mercy

The Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy will run from the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8^th 2015 until Feast of Christ the King on November 20^th 2016 and although all jubilees concentrate on the remission of sins, Pope Francis has dedicated this particular jubilee to the celebration of Mercy. Catholic parishes around the world will open their doors, such as Camberley & Bagshot whose guidance comes from Mgr Richard Madders, welcoming in the faithful to confess.

Pope Francis stated that God’s mercy should be at the heart of any reform within the Church, and that only a merciful church shines. The pontiff was keen to point out that while mercy is the virtue that God favours most, and without it then Catholics will become slaves to the institution.

Opening of the Holy Door

Each jubilee commences with opening the Holy Doors of the Basilicas of Rome, inviting worshippers in to take part in the Catholic celebration. In a departure from the usual proceedings, Pope Francis called for particular cathedrals and holy sites to also open their doors in a symbolic way, delivering the Pope’s message around the world. It is common during jubilees for Catholics to make pilgrimages to Rome in order to take part and receive reconciliation for their sins, and now the Pope has made it easier for the faithful to make a shorter pilgrimage to sites that are closer to home.

Indulgences for All

In addition to delivering clemency to worshippers who take part in the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, Pope Francis is also focusing on indulgences – a generous extension of forgiveness where the sinner is promised a chance at reaching paradise. The pontiff is willing to offer indulgences to both the living and the dead as part of this Jubilee Year, which in combination with his calls for reconciliation in general, marks the year out as extraordinary indeed.