A Year of Grace is one in which special indulgences and privileged conditions for confession are granted. Plenary indulgences can be earned (one per day; it is possible to earn them for the deceased also) under the following conditions:

1. By visiting the cathedral (it is not necessary to enter through the Holy Door) and saying a prayer for the intentions of the Pope.
2. Receiving the sacrament of confession and communion (this can be done on the day of the visit to the cathedral or 15 days before or after the visit).
   

The special conditions for confession are that priests that offer confession in the cathedral, at the Monte de Gozo, and in city parishes in Santiago may absolve ecclesiastic censures (excommunications and reserved sins) except those reserved for the Holy See (sacriligeous desecration of the Eucharist or unauthorized ordination of priests) or dispense vows.

But the Holy Year is also a special opportunity for pilgrimage, especially along the Camino de Santiago following the steps of the ancient medieval pilgrims and, as the Pope highlights in his special message for the 2004 Holy Year, reliving the unique aspects of the silent pilgrimage, contemplating nature, experiencing the effort of walking with pain and discomfort…everything that makes up the pilgrimage and which offers pilgrims, also in the Holy Year the opportunity to draw closer to one another and to God.