The Unveiling of the Holy Door: A Sacred Tradition
Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, the esteemed Archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, recently led the “recognitio” ceremony to verify the integrity of the Holy Door. This door was sealed at the conclusion of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy in 2016, and its reopening marks the beginning of a new chapter in the Vatican’s sacred traditions.
Written by Alessandro De Carolis
The atmosphere was solemn as a prayer echoed through the hallowed halls of St. Peter’s Basilica. The anticipation was palpable as a hammer and chisel broke through a wall to retrieve the box containing the key that would unlock the Holy Door on the evening of December 24, ushering in the Jubilee.
The Ceremony Unfolds
The recognitio, a Latin term for this sacred rite, serves to confirm that the Holy Door, sealed during the previous Jubilee, remains intact and ready to be reopened for the upcoming Holy Year. Cardinal Mauro Gambetti opened the ceremony with a heartfelt prayer, setting the tone for the evening.
As the sampietrini meticulously dismantled the wall sealing the Holy Door from inside the Basilica, a sense of reverence filled the air. The metal box embedded there on November 20, 2016, the day the Jubilee of Mercy concluded, was carefully removed, signaling a momentous occasion.
Accompanied by the chanting of the Litany of the Saints, Cardinal Gambetti led a procession to the Altar of the Confession, where a moment of prayer ensued before proceeding to the Chapter Hall. Here, the metal box was opened, revealing the treasures within.
Exploring the Box’s Contents
Inside the box lay the key to the Holy Door, its handles, the parchment Rogito documenting its closure, four golden bricks, and a collection of medals from the pontificates of Pope Francis, Benedict XVI, and John Paul II. These symbolic items held profound significance, underscoring the continuity and reverence within the Vatican’s sacred traditions.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of Archbishop Rino Fisichella, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, and Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations. They received the documents and items from the recognitio and later presented them to Pope Francis, symbolizing the continuity and blessings of the Holy Year.
Continuation of Sacred Rites
The recognitio ceremony was not unique to St. Peter’s Basilica alone. A similar ceremony took place at the Holy Door of the Basilica of St. John Lateran on December 3. The tradition will continue at St. Paul Outside the Walls on December 5 and at St. Mary Major on December 6, further underscoring the sacredness and continuity of this timeless ritual.
