Symbolic Keys of St. Peter The Jubilee Year happens every twenty five years except in 2015-2016 which was designated an Extraordinary Jubilee by Pope Francis. The declaration of a Jubilee year comes from Leviticus 25:8-55 which commands the Israelites to count 7 sabbatical years (7 x 7 = 49) and on the 50th year, celebrate a year of Jubilee. Leviticus 25:10 sums it clearly: “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land and to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you.” The central theme of the Jubilee Year is freedom, mercy and reconciliation. Pope Francis knocked on the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica on December 24, 2024. The door was opened and he passed through in his wheelchair to celebrate Christmas Eve mass. The Jubilee Year celebration continues until January 6, 2026, the feast of the Epiphany. There are five designated Holy Doors: St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major and St. Paul Outside the Walls. A fifth doo...
“If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home.” - James Michener