The event Pope Francis has been waiting for since his pontificate started will finally kick off December 8. The Jubilee Year of Mercy officially begins on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception with the opening of the Holy Door at the St. Peter’s Basilica, though the jubilee is already in full swing in Bangui, Central African Republic. Make no mistake, this will not be a year of lovely photo ops. Pope Francis is serious about acquainting people around the world with God’s mercy and he has an action plan in place.

The Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization is overseeing the Holy See’s activities for the Jubilee. Expect to see more Jubilee initiatives rolled out than ever before. At the same time expect participation to be more formalized. Unlike the last Jubilee Year pilgrims will need to register to walk through the Holy Door. However, pilgrims will receive a certificate, called a “testimonium” from the Jubilee pilgrims office.

To help pilgrim takes part in the various jubilee events that will happen at the Vatican the Council for the New Evangelization opened an office this week on Via Della Conciliazione, the avenue leading up to the Vatican, to welcome Jubilee pilgrims. There pilgrims can register to go through the Holy Door, sign up for tickets to special Masses and prayer services, get the typical Vatican-visitor information, and find a series of books of different themes related to the Jubilee Year. Note: tickets for all Papal Masses and liturgies are always free.