Special Indulgences Available for the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy

The Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy begins Dec 8. As with other jubilee years, Pope Francis has instructed that special indulgences be available for the faithful. They may be obtained for oneself or for individuals who have died.

For able-bodied Catholics

◗ Take a pilgrimage. Make a journey to your local Holy Door (a physical portal in your local cathedral, shrine or other designated Church) or to one of the Holy Doors in the four papal basilicas in Rome. Crossing through a Holy Door is a spiritual journey that signals, as the Holy Father said, "the deep desire for true conversion."

◗ Go to confession.

◗ Receive the Holy Eucharist "with a reflection of mercy."

◗ Make a profession of faith.

◗ Pray for the pope and for his intentions.

For the elderly, confined and the sick

◗ Pope Francis said that they may obtain the indulgence by "living with faith and joyful hope this moment of trial."

◗ Or by attending Mass and community prayer, "even through the various means of communication."

For all Catholics

◗ Perform a spiritual or corporal work of mercy. Pope Francis said that an indulgence may be obtained when a member of the "faithful personally performs" one of these merciful acts.