Indulgences are a gift that spring forth from the abundance of the mercy of God, made manifest in the Cross of Christ. In this context, the question about indulgences should be understood from the perspective of a complete personal renewal, in virtue of the grace which comes from Christ our Redeemer through the ministry of the Church. Therefore, "far from being a sort of 'discount' on the duty of conversion, they are rather an aid to its prompt, generous and radical fulfillment." (General Audience Sept. 29, 1999)
(December 8, 2015 – November 20, 2016)
By Sr. María Luisa Belmonte, SHM
This holy year, in which the Pope wishes to remind the Church that “Jesus Christ is the face of the Father’s mercy” (MV, 1), began with the opening of the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome on December 8th of this year, Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, and will conclude with the closing of the Door on November 20, 2016, Solemnity of Christ the King.