The 36-month Jubilee Year

Recognizing the unique nature of this Holy Year, which occurred as the millennium changed and marked the 2,000th birthday of Jesus, we decided to provide as much information as we could for Catholics who wanted to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime (actually, once-in-a-thousand-years) event. So, on Jan. 8, 1998, we introduced our Jubilee coverage: a weekly article (or two or more) about preparations for this historic occasion, along with the first installment of a 100-part history of the Church (which can still be found on our website: www.evangelist.org).

Throughout 1998 and 1999, we continued with this background material. Then, when Pope John Paul II inaugurated the Jubilee Year at Christmas 1999, we dedicated our weekly coverage to parish, diocesan, national and international celebrations of the occasion.

Over these three years, we have presented readers with hundreds of articles and photos about the meaning of the Jubilee, the methods of obtaining an indulgence, the ways Catholics have participated in the Holy Year, and the Pope's thoughts about topics he has focused on over the past 12 months, such as Jesus, prayer, forgiveness and reconciliation, ecumenism, and the promise of youth. We also carried multi-page special sections about diocesan celebrations of the Jubilee, such as Bishop Howard J. Hubbard's televised retreat last spring and the pilgrimage to Rome in October.

Our goal throughout these three years has been to inform and enlighten readers, and invite them to participate actively in the Jubilee in their homes and parishes. We hope that observance of this millennial event was enriched by our contribution.

The Jubilee Year ends this Sunday when the Pope closes the Holy Door in St. Peter's Basilica. But the spirit of the event should never cease. Once their faith has been rekindled by such a special occasion, we pray that Catholics will keep the flame burning throughout the 21st century.
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