Background

Pope Francis has cast the Jubilee as an opportunity for conversion, reconciliation with God through the sacrament of penance, obtaining indulgences for us and the faithfully departed, through God’s mercy, renewing our faith and love through hope, and proclaiming God’s love to the many people suffering in today’s world.

The pope’s earnest desire is that the Jubilee Year may provide an opportunity in this year, “to be renewed in hope” not only for the millions of pilgrims who will travel to Rome for this Jubilee, but also for those who, unable to do so, will celebrate in their local churches through pilgrimages to Marian shrines and holy sites.

Theology of Indulgence

“Once sin has been forgiven or pardoned in Sacramental Confession, there is often still a rupture in the human person’s personal relationship
with God. A deep interior renewal of the person is still needed. This deep journey of conversion is a process that continues throughout the Christian life; recognition of sin, contrition, repentance, forgiveness, and ongoing personal renewal and healing.” (Catechism of the Catholic
Church, Number 1471).

Usual Conditions for the Plenary Indulgence

• Celebrate Sacramental Confession (going to Confession within 20 Days before or within 20 days after the indulgence is sought). A person should be of the spirit that is sincerely and willfully detached from any sin, mortal and venial.
• Receive Holy Communion while participating fully, actively, and consciously at Mass.
• Pray for the Pope’s needs and monthly intentions: Apostles Creed, Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be.

Indulgence Conditions of Jubilee Year Pilgrims of Hope

• Traveling to any sacred Jubilee designated site and perform the usual conditions; or engage in Eucharistic adoration and
  meditation concluding with an Our Father, a Profession of Faith, and on invocations to Mary.
• Perform a corporal or spiritual work of mercy.
• Participate in a popular mission, spiritual exercise, or formational activities on the documents of Vatican II or the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
• Piously visit any sacred Jubilee site and participate in Mass, a Liturgy of the Word, one of the major hours from the Liturgy of the Hours (office of Readings, Morning Prayer, or Evening Prayer), devotional prayers such as the Way of the Cross, the Rosary, the Akathist hymn, or a penance service that ends with Sacramental Confession.

View the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown Holy Sites below: