Jubilee Year of Mercy 2016
Forgiveness is the theme in 2016 for visitors to the Vatican City and the church’s faithful across the world. On December 8th, Pope Francis initiated the Catholic Church’s 27th Jubilee Year, a special celebration normally held every 25 or 50 years and dedicated to increased leniency and plenary indulgences (reducing punishment for sins) for the church’s followers. Outside of the normal rotation, this year’s events are particularly special, earning it the classification of an Extraordinary Jubilee Year.
Jubilee Years
Starting in the 14th century with Pope Boniface VIII, Jubilee Years were meant as a time to make a fresh start, when church leaders focused on the forgiveness of sins. To facilitate this massive indulgence, pilgrims were required to visit the churches of St. Peter and Paul in Rome and go to confession. With those acts completed, they would be given full forgiveness of their sins.
When the Jubilee Year was repeated in 1950, it became a regular celebration. Though the timing was loosely based on a 50-year rotation, it has been celebrated on off years as called for by the Pope. In such cases, the Jubilee Year is noted as Extraordinary. For 2016, Pope Francis has declared it the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy.
Holy Doors
Traditionally, the Holy Door was a designated entrance at St. Peter’s Basilica that symbolized the transition from sin to grace. By passing through it, faithful visitors could earn indulgences that would lessen the punishment for their sins. Holy Doors are also located at churches associated with Jubilee Year pilgrimages, including the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Wall, and the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.
In the 15th century, owing to the abuse of visits to these Holy Doors, it was decreed that they be sealed in non-Jubilee Years. With great pomp and circumstance, the doors are typically covered in cement at the end of Jubilee Years and then opened by the Pope with a ceremonial hammer to mark the beginning of another Jubilee celebration.
In December, the Pope opened the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica and those of Rome’s 3 other major basilicas to kick off the Holy Year of Mercy. For this Jubilee Year, the Pope has also decreed honorary Holy Doors be opened around the world so Catholics unable to make the trip to Vatican City can receive full indulgences near home. When the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy ends in December, the doors will be sealed again.
Special Events
Throughout the year, special days are set aside for specific groups seeking to make their pilgrimage to the Vatican City. From newly confirmed Catholics to volunteers, the sick, and prisoners, each celebration marks a special time for members of that community. Check the calendar before your own visit to see if you’d like to be a part of these exceptional celebrations, but keep in mind that the events may increase crowd numbers and wait times to certain areas of Vatican City.
Visiting
Until the Holy Doors close and the Jubilee Year winds to its conclusion, the Vatican City will be filled with visitors, making some sites and activities harder to access. Booking your visits early can help reserve your spot for experiences like skip-the-line admission to Vatican City’s most popular attractions, transportation to Papal Audiences with Pope Francis, or guided walking tours through St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums. Be sure to check the Jubilee Year calendar to see what special events are scheduled to occur during your visit, and consider expanding your Vatican City pilgrimage with other enticing tours around the Eternal City.
Are you doing anything to celebrate this Jubilee Year of Mercy?
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