Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
On Christmas Eve, Pope Francis will open and enter the Holy Door of Saint Peter’s Basilica to celebrate Christmas Mass and begin a Jubilee Year.
A Jubilee Year is special time of remission of sin and punishment due to sin. It involves pilgrimages, prayers, and works of mercy and penance. Jubilee Years awaken in us a profound awareness of the depth of God’s love, mercy and solicitude for each of us. That deepened awareness leads to a greater hope of sharing in the glory of God (Romans 5:2)
At Christmas the glory of God briefly shone down on quaking shepherds tending their flock as angels announced good news of great joy: See entire Christmas message Christmas 2024.pdf