Bishop Announces the Designation of Local Places of Pilgrimage and Prayer for the Jubillee Year Marking the 2000th Anniversary of the Birth of St. Paul

As you will be aware his holiness Pope Benedict XVI has declared a jubilee Year marking the 2000th anniversary of the birth of St. Paul from Saturday June 28th 2008 to June 29th 2009. I hope we will mark this Jubilee year with both diocesan and parish celebrations during the next twelve months.

I am designating the six deanery churches of our Diocese – Sligo, Boyle, Strokestown, Castlerea, Roscommon and Athlone as places where, with the customary conditions, the Jubilee Year Plenary Indulgence can be obtained once per day and may be applied to self or the deceased. Those who visit these churches with the intention of receiving the indulgence must frequent sacramental Confession, Eucharistic communion and recite prayer for the Pope’s intentions along with the customary “Our Father” and “Creed” and prayers to Our Lady and St. Paul.

The sick and those unable to leave their homes may gain the indulgence if they spiritually unite themselves to the Jubilee celebration in honour of St Paul, offering their prayers and suffering to God for the Unity of Christians.

Finally, I would like to encourage all to reflect on the life and work of Paul and to perhaps read his letters during this Special Year

Most Rev. Christopher Jones
3rd of July 2008