The series of Synod of Bishops has been part of the preparation. The holy years in our lifetime have prepared for the Great Jubilee. The Marian Year ushered in a peaceful resolution to the Cold War. The Year of the Family gives cause to hope that it will be another significant stage in preparation. Immediate Preparation 29.
Widespread consultation is called for.
The jubilee is to be a time of special grace , a time of joy and a time of Thanksgiving for the gift of the incarnation of the Son of God and his redemption. The joy of the jubilee is the joy based on forgiveness and conversion. The jubilee preparation should make the church more fully conscious of our sinfulness, especially of scandal and counter witness. The church cannot cross the threshold of the new millennium without purifying ourselves by penance. We must especially repent of sins against unity.