White Raven Publishing House: "The Holy Year" - a book that revives faith

The Holy Year is not just a liturgical event. It is simply a time of spiritual growth, deep reflection, prayer and hope which for centuries has touched the hearts of billions of believers in total; first in the Mediterranean basin, then across Europe and then on another continents; this book is just a communicative about it. It is besides a large guide to the deeper meaning of the Jubilee Years – both for the Church itself as an institution and for each of us separately. The author, Fr Prof. Janusz Królikowski, priest and expert in the past of the Church, guides us through history, showing us – from ancient times to modern times – how the Jubilees shaped the lives of Christians and how they answered the changing needs of subsequent generations. It besides has quite a few Polish accents.

Although the roots of the Jubilee date back to Bible times, they officially began in 1300 erstwhile Pope Bonifacy VIII solemnly proclaimed the first Holy Year. This event strengthened the tradition of pilgrimages, indulgences and calls for conversion. And so it was to be during the next Jubilee. The Holy Year 2000 occupies a peculiar place in this communicative – a crucial time of reflection and hope announced by St John Paul II, who introduced the Church into the 3rd millennium of Christianity.

The book was published with different Pietism, in an elegant graphic robe, with a rich choice of illustrations – from masterpieces of sacral painting to photographs of Master Adam Bujak from papal celebrations. Not only is it an interesting reading, not only hints at breathtaking historical knowledge, but besides provides aesthetic experiences. Each page encourages you to stop, meditate and deepen your faith.

This book is so a perfect tool for deepening the Jubilee tradition, which is not a relic of the past, as any effort to present it, but always a timely call for pilgrimage, reconciliation and spiritual rebirth.