I often pray in the reservation chapel of Our Lady of Divine Providence House of Prayer where there are three beautiful stained glass windows that depict the spirituality of my community, the Marian Servants of Divine Providence. One of them is an artistic depiction of Jesus handing the keys of the Kingdom to Peter with a view of the Vatican, the seat of the Church’s authority, in the background.

As I exit and turn to bow to the Tabernacle, the Lord has often drawn my attention to that window. As I look at Jesus’ face looking intently at Peter and entrusting him with the keys to the Kingdom of heaven, I get a sense of security, confidence and peace. Yes! Jesus, the Son of the Living God himself, founded this Catholic Church I belong to. Yes! he personally chose and gave his authority to Peter and his successors to teach, preach and guard the truth through doctrine and moral teachings that I can trust. Moreover, Jesus explicitly gave them authority to loose on earth and in heaven the shackles of my sins and set me free.

In this Jubilee year of hope, when the captives are set free, the Successor of Peter, the Vicar of Christ gives us Catholics the opportunity for a plenary indulgence through pilgrimage, and prescribed conditions, including the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Let us not waste this great opportunity. Let us enter into the freedom of the children of God, and experience a foretaste of heaven here on earth with the sure hope of its fullness in heaven.

What are my plans to avail myself of the offer of a plenary indulgence?

Lord, we thank you for your love, truth and freedom that you offer us through your Church, your Sacraments and the faithful shepherds you have given us to guide us and protect us in our pilgrimage to heaven. Amen.