Holy Year in Santiago de Compostela

On Thursday, 31 December, the Bishop of the city of Santiago de Compostela, in Galicia-Spain, will open the Holy Door of the Cathedral of Santiago. This event will mark the beginning of the Holy Year or Xacobeo 2021.

Pilgrims from all over the world are invited to visit the tomb of the Apostle Saint James and obtain the plenary indulgence from the Catholic Church. The Cathedral of Santiago and its spectacular Pórtico de la Gloria after many years of restoration are now ready to receive all pilgrims.

The first Holy Year was established by Pope Callisto for the year 1126. The Holy Years are celebrated when the feast of Santiago (July 25) falls on a Sunday. As a general rule, these years occur in a sequence of five, six and eleven years.

To obtain forgiveness of sins, pilgrims must:

- Make confession and communion, before the fifteen days before or after the visit of the Cathedral.

- Visit the Cathedral of Santiago.

- Pray for the Pope's intentions (for example, an Our Father, Hail Mary, etc.)

To obtain the plenary indulgence, it is not necessary to make the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, although it is a good excuse to make a trip on one of the different Camino de Santiago routes, and become imbued with the spirit of the Camino de Santiago.

To obtain the certificate of La Compostela issued by the Archdiocese of Santiago de Compostela, it is necessary to prove at least that you have walked the last 100 km on foot or 200 km if you go by bike.

For more information on the Holy Year visit: www.mundiplus.com/en/blog/ano-santo-2021