A Brief History of Jubilee Years (Sunday Visitor)
Jubilee years can be found in the Old Testament where once very 50 years debts were forgiven and those who had been imprisoned from failure to pay debts were allowed to return to their land (see Lv 25:8-13). Jubilee years were a time of social and economic “salvation,” during which gaps between rich and poor could be lessened. The land was left fallow during this year so that it could rest as well.
Pope Boniface VIII took up the tradition of jubilees in 1300, and it has continued since then. A mandate from Pope Paul II, in 1470, changed ordinary jubilee years to be scheduled once every 25 years. With a handful of exceptions due to difficult political conditions in Rome, jubilee years have followed that ordinary schedule.
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Year of Mercy
The Year of Mercy is an extraordinary jubilee year because it breaks that schedule. The extraordinary year begins on Dec. 8, 2015, solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, and ends Nov. 20, 2016, solemnity of Christ the King.
As in previous jubilee years, a plenary indulgence will be offered to those who make a pilgrimage to Rome and visit the tombs of Sts. Peter and Paul or the Basilica of St. John Lateran. Dioceses may also offer indulgences associated with local shrines. All jubilee years are associated with forgiveness, but the upcoming jubilee has the specific theme of mercy.
Pope Francis has asked that during this jubilee year all dioceses increase access to the Sacrament of Penance, particularly during Lent. He has also asked that Catholics pray about the mystery of mercy in their lives and engage in concrete action that shows mercy to the poor and isolated. He particularly recommends the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.
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