FAQ
What is the Jubilee Year of Mercy?
A jubilee is a special year called by the Church to receive blessing and pardon from God and remission of sins. In this Year of Mercy, Pope Francis is calls on the Church to focus on mercy, because “It is a wellspring of joy, serenity, and peace. Our salvation depends upon it.” (Misericordiae Vultus, 2)
The Year of Mercy begins on December 8, 2015, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and concludes on November 20, 2016, the Solemnity of Our Lord Christ, King of the Universe.
A Holy Door is a special door only opened during a Jubilee. Entering through a Holy Door is a sign of entering into mercy. We are crossing over from sin into redemption. When Holy Doors are open, a pilgrimage to a Holy Door offers the possibility of obtaining a Plenary Indulgence under the usual conditions.
Does the Diocese of Knoxville have Holy Doors?
Yes! Bishop Stika will inaugurate the Jubilee Year of Mercy in the Diocese of Knoxville by opening a holy door, called the Door of Mercy, at Sacred Heart Cathedral. There will also be Holy Doors at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga and at St. Dominic in Kingsport.