In a letter to Archbishop Rino Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of New Evangelization, the office organizing events for the holy year, Pope Francis’ explained expanded opportunities for obtaining indulgences that are a normal part of the celebration of a holy year.

Pope Francis announced a Jubilee Year of Mercy to begin Dec. 8 and to end Nov. 20, 2016. “The time has come for the Church to take up the joyful call to mercy once more,” since the church’s “very credibility is seen in how she shows merciful and compassionate love,” Pope Francis said.

“But we hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us” (2 Cor 4:7). The Illinois and Missouri area Justice and Peace Committee of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ sponsored a study day on diversity Sept. 12 to listen and learn about “Race, Space and Identity.”