# Living the Holy Year of Mercy Season by Season
*2015-12-10*

> Bill Young introduces Pope Francis’s book *Seasons of Mercy* and explains the purpose and history of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy (2015‑2016).

## The Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy

On April 11, 2015 Pope Francis announced an Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, a Holy Year whose centre is God’s mercy. It ran from December 8, 2015 to November 20, 2016. The Pope invites us to live this year in the light of Christ’s words: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36). The merciful Father becomes the model for the entire Jubilee.

## Why Mercy Matters

In mercy we encounter the depth of God’s love. He gives Himself freely, asking nothing in return, and comes to our aid whenever we call on Him. During the Jubilee Pope Francis urges us to contemplate constantly the mystery of mercy, to discover and share God’s fruitful mercy with every man and woman of our time.

## Historical Roots of the Jubilee

The Jubilee is rooted in an ancient Jewish tradition of pardon and reconciliation celebrated every 50 years (Leviticus 25:8‑10). The Catholic Church adopted a similar practice in 1300 under Pope Boniface VIII, and it has been observed ever since.

## A Time for Conversion and Forgiveness

Pope Francis sees the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy as a special moment for the Church, when believers can grow stronger and more effective in witnessing God’s love. By focusing on God’s boundless mercy and forgiveness, we are called to experience more deeply the great love that raised Christ from the dead and saves us by grace.

## The Opening of the Holy Doors

The Jubilee began with the opening of the Holy Doors, normally sealed shut, in the four major papal basilicas: St. Peter’s, St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. Mary Major. Pilgrims who pass through these doors receive special blessings and indulgences. Pope Francis hopes that crossing the threshold will inspire conversion and give us the strength to embrace and extend God’s mercy to others.

*May the Holy Year of Mercy inspire us to walk through the Holy Door of compassion and share God’s mercy with the world.*