When July 25, Feast of St. James the Apostle, falls on a Sunday, a ‘Compostelan Jubilee’ is celebrated.
Spain – Santiago de Compostela (26/07/2021 6:40 PM, Gaudium Press) – Last Sunday, July 25, the Archbishop of Santiago de Compostela, Spain, Most Rev. Julián Barrio Barrio, presided a Solemn Holy Mass marking the Feast of Saint James the Apostle. The Celebration took place in the city’s cathedral, marking a new Compostelan Holy Year.
Among the concelebrants of the Mass were Cardinal Antonio María Rouco Varela, Archbishop Emeritus of Madrid, and Msgr. José Rodríguez Carballo, Secretary of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.
The Celebrant highlighted the presence of the Spanish Royal Family once this year’s Feast took place on a ‘Compostelan Jubilee.’ This particular commemoration occurs whenever July 25 falls on a Sunday.
“Saint James makes hope resound”
In his homily, Archbishop Barrio pointed out how “Saint James reminds us to identify ourselves with the history and the person of Christ, in the patient search for truth promoting a culture of common care.
The Spanish Archbishop further stated that “Saint James makes hope resound; so that everyone can embrace the liberating newness of Christianity, as a source providing credible answers to the existential questions of every person.”
Christian hope is inseparable from solidarity
Stressing the need for Christ in a spiritually impoverished Western civilization, Arch Barrio also noted that “Christian hope is inseparable from love in solidarity. The exercise of charity is the way to make credible the love of God who abandons no one.”
“The mission of the Church is to bring people to God, but also to exhort all people of good will to become aware of the root from which evils come, so that they can remedy the injustices and the deplorable conditions in which many people live,” he concluded.
Compostelan Holy Year
Following the theme “Get out of your land! The Apostle waits for you,” the Holy Year began on December 31, 2020. Traditionally, Compostelan Holy Years are inaugurated with the opening of the Cathedral’s Holy Door. Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, houses the remains of St. James The Apostle.
Originally, the Jubilee was supposed to conclude in 2021. However, as Covid-19 pandemic prevented the normal performance of the pilgrimages, Pope Francis authorized its extension unto the year 2022. (EPC)
Compiled by Gustavo Kralj
