Pope declares first Jubilee Year for Avila, Spain

Pope Benedict has declared the first Jubilee Year for the Diocese of Avila in Spain to mark the 450th anniversary of the founding of the Convent of St. Joseph by St. Teresa of Avila.

Bishop Jesus Garcia Burillo of Avila made the announcement and said the Jubilee Year will include a “plenary indulgence” for the faithful who visit the convent or attend religious services between May 24 of this year through May 24 of 2013.

The papal blessing will be bestowed at the convent on the feasts of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, St. Bartholomew, St. Joseph and St. Teresa.

The mayor of Avila, Miguel Angel Garcia, celebrated the announcement and said it would be not only of religious significance, but also would be important “from a social, touristic and economical point of view.”

He also said a special event would be held on July 16, the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, when the historic conflict took place between the convent and the city of Avila, which refused to authorize is founding.