Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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SABBATICAL YEAR

The one year every seven during which the Jews were to observe a "sabbath," corresponding to the day of rest every week (Exodus 21:2-6; Deuteronomy 15:1-3). They were required to allow the land to remain fallow and have all debtors and slaves freed. The religious purpose of the sabbatical year was to teach the Israelites that God alone was the real owner of everything.