The Jubilee Year of Mercy, December 8, 2015 to November 20, 2016 is a grace-filled opportunity to take your children or grandchildren through the designated Jubilee Door in your diocese and receive the abundant graces offered to those who do so. I recently had the opportunity to enter the Jubilee Door at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, AL, pictured here. Mother Angelica's tomb is in the crypt of this church. What is the significance of a Jubilee Door and why take our children? The Jubilee Door signifies a year of mercy and reconciliation within the Catholic Church. It has been proclaimed once every 25 years since 1475. The last one was proclaimed by Pope John Paul II in the year 2000. This Jubilee Year (Holy Year) is an Extraordinary One. An Extraordinary Jubilee Year is called on special occasions such as Pope Francis's call for a Year of Mercy. The previous one was Pope John Paul II's Extraordinary Jubilee,1983, to honor 1,950 years of redemption after Christ's death and resurrection. Jubilee years are ones of abundant graces both for ourselves and for others. They offer us an opportunity to receive a plenary indulgence and to help the Poor Souls in Purgatory through our prayers and obtaining indulgences for them. The second picture here is of Pope John Paul II going through the Jubilee Door in 1983. I have listed a series of websites which you may find helpful. One website list the designated Jubilee Doors in each state. Other websites provide background information and activities for children. Don't miss out on this grace-filled opportunity with your children! Be sure to get ice cream or some yummy treat at the end of your special visit to the Jubilee and say a prayer for Pope Francis!
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| John Paul II, 1983, Extraordinary Jubilee Year Holy Door Websites |
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