The Jubilee Year of Mercy
Dec. 8, 2015 - Nov. 20, 2016 by Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D.
Historical Context and Background:
First Announcement: March 13, 2015, during a Penance/Reconciliation Service in St. Peter’s in Rome
Official Document:Misericordiae Vultus (“Bull of Indiction of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy”) – April 11, 2015
Misericordiae vultus Patris est Christus Iesus. = “Jesus Christ is the face of the Father’s mercy.”
Begins Dec. 8, 2015: Immaculate Conception (50th Anniv. of Closing of Second Vatican Council)
Ends Nov. 20, 2016: Solemnity of Christ, King of the Universe (end of liturgical year)
Background:
Address of Pope Saint John XXIII at the Opening of the Second Vatican Council:
“Now the Bride of Christ wishes to use the medicine of mercy rather than taking up arms of severity…”
Second Encyclical of Pope Saint John Paul II:Dives in Misericordia (“Rich in mercy”) – Nov. 20, 1980
Episcopal/Papal Motto of Pope Francis:Miserando atque eligendo (“Showing mercy, thus calling him”)
Symbols & Initiatives of the Jubilee Year of Mercy:
Holy Door – to be opened in all cathedrals and major basilicas world-wide;
opened early (11/29/15) in Bangui, C.A.R., “Spiritual Capital of the World”
Pilgrimages – to the Holy Door in Rome, or elsewhere in local dioceses
Motto – “Merciful like the Father” (cf. Luke 6:36) – see also the Logo →
Emphasis – “Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy” (cf. Matt 25:31-45)
Gospel of Mercy: LUKE – Year C of the Lectionary/Liturgical Cycle
“24 Hours with the Lord” – Reconciliation Events; March 4-5, 2016
“Missionaries of Mercy” – priests given authority to pardon “reserved sins”
Granting Indulgences – under usual conditions: prayer, confession, communion
