Jacobean Holy Year and plenary indulgence

Jacobean Holy Year and plenary indulgence

The Jacobean Year, or also Jacobean Jubilee Year (in Spanish Xacobeo) is a year where 25 July, the anniversary of the martyrdom of St James the Apostle, falls on a Sunday. This recurrence occurs with a regularity every 6, 5, 6 and 11 years. During the Jacobean Jubilee Year, pilgrims who go to the Saint's tomb in Santiago de Compostela can obtain a plenary indulgence, being totally absolved of all their sins, even without walking the Santiago route.

When is the next holy year for the camino

The next Holy Year will be in 2021 and the following one in 2027. The last Holy Years were 1999, 2004 and 2010. The tradition of the Holy Year in Santiago dates back to the 15th century. Introduced by the archbishop Holy Year from the site of the office of the pilgrim of Santiago Don Lope de Mendoza, it is believed that the first was the Jubilee of 1428. Officially, it was inaugurated with the opening of the Holy Door on the evening of 31 December of the previous year.

messa del pellegrino a Santiago, il botafumero

How to obtain a plenary indulgence in the Jacobean Holy Year

Throughout the Holy Year, pilgrims who wish to do so, can obtain a plenary indulgence on any day, without necessarily making the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago and obtaining the Compostela. Pilgrims must observe certain precepts indicated by the Church:

  • It is recommended to enter through the Holy Door and listen to the Pilgrim's Mass, which is celebrated every day of the Jacobean Year at 12:00 noon in the Cathedral (these two requirements are recommended, but not obligatory).
  • It is compulsory to pray for the intentions of the Supreme Roman Pontiff.
  • It is necessary to go to confession and take communion on the same day as the visit to the Compostela temple, or during the fortnight before or afterwards, at any other place.
  • Plenary indulgence can be obtained once a day and can be applied to oneself or to the faithful departed.
  • Santiago de Compostela