Jubilee of Mercy

Richard A. Sokerka

While all eyes are focused on Pope Francis coming to the United States in September, plans are progressing for events to be held during the Jubilee of Mercy.

The jubilee was announced by Pope Francis on March 13, the second anniversary of his election as Bishop of Rome. It will open Dec. 8 — the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception — and will close Nov. 20, 2016, the Solemnity of Christ the King.

So far 12 major events for the Jubilee of Mercy Have been set: 24 hours for the Lord, a day-long period of Eucharistic adoration; To Dry the Tears, a prayer vigil; and jubilees centered on pilgrimage workers; the sick and disabled; catechists; deacons; teenagers; priests; volunteers of mercy; the Curia; Mary; and Divine Mercy spirituality.

In addition to these events, a “Jubilee for Padre Pio’s prayer group” will take place Feb. 13, as the body of the Capuchin saint who bore the stigmata for much of his life will be exposed in St. Peter’s Basilica Feb. 8-14, at Pope Francis’ request.

Details for the some of the jubilees days include a wide range of events with the Holy Father.

The teenagers’ jubilee will begin with an April 23 evening festival at Rome’s Olympic Stadium, followed by a Mass said by Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square the following day.

The jubilee of deacons will be from May 27 to 29, with conferences on their role as icons of mercy for the new evangelization in their families, parishes, and jobs.

Priests will celebrate their jubilee from June 1 to 3. The first day will be dedicated to Eucharistic Adoration, Lectio Divina, and confessions. The Pope will preach at their retreat June 2, and celebrate Mass with them June 3.

When he announced the Jubilee Year, Poe Francis said: “I am convinced that the whole Church will be able to find in this Jubilee the joy of rediscovering and making fruitful the mercy of God, with which we are all called to give consolation to every man and every woman of our time.” It is our hope that the pope’s words ring true in the hearts of every follower of Jesus throughout the world.