In the Bull of Indiction for the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy, Pope Francis described mercy as “the beating heart of the Gospel.” This has been manifested throughout the history of the Church, most especially in the practice of the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.

Many of the faithful of our parishes who minister to the sick and homebound, those who work through agencies such as Catholic Charities and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, as well as those who advance the message of social justice are encouraged to take part in a special Mass for those who show mercy with Bishop Felipe Estévez on Saturday, Oct. 1 at 5 p.m. at Holy Faith Catholic Church, 747 NW 43rd Street in Gainesville. Father Joseph McDonnell, pastor of St. John the Evangelist in Chiefland will serve as the homilist.

Also on Sunday, Oct. 9 at 2 p.m. Bishop Estévez will celebrate a Jubilee Mass for those inspired by the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Mass will be at the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche, 34 Ocean Ave., St. Augustine. Newly ordained Father David Keegan, parochial vicar at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Ponte Vedra Beach is the homilist.

For details, on either of these liturgical celebrations, call (904) 262-1705 or email emcgeever@dosafl.com. Both celebrations are open to all.

What’s an (extraordinary) Jubilee Year?

Also called Holy Years, jubilees normally occur every 25 years. They feature special celebrations and pilgrimages, call for conversion and repentance, and they offer of special opportunities to experience God’s grace through the sacraments, especially confession.

Extraordinary holy years, such as the Holy Year of Mercy, are less frequent but offer the same opportunities. The last extraordinary jubilee was called by St. John Paul II in 1983 to mark the 1,950 years after the death of Jesus. John Paul also led the last holy year, known as the “Great Jubilee,” in 2000.

The Year of Mercy, called for by Pope Francis, is the third “extraordinary” jubilee since the tradition began 700 years ago.