By Courtney Mares
Rome, Italy, Jan 5, 2025 / 10:42 am
American Cardinal James Harvey opened the holy door at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls on Sunday, completing the opening of all five holy doors in Rome for the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee of Hope.
Pilgrims who visit Rome during the Jubilee, a holy year celebrated every 25 years, will have the opportunity to receive a plenary indulgence by passing through the doors.
“The opening of the holy door marks the salvific passage opened by Christ through his Incarnation, death, and resurrection, calling all members of the Church to be reconciled with God and with one another,” Harvey said.
The ceremony began in the basilica’s column-lined courtyard with the ancient sound of a shofar, a ram’s horn historically used by the ancient Israelites to announce jubilee years, as recorded in the Bible.
In a glorious moment of faith and tradition, American Cardinal James Harvey opened the holy door at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome on Sunday. This marked the completion of the opening of all five holy doors in Rome for the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee of Hope.
During this special Jubilee year, which is celebrated every 25 years, pilgrims visiting Rome will have the extraordinary opportunity to receive a plenary indulgence by passing through these sacred doors.
Cardinal Harvey emphasized the significance of the holy door, stating that it symbolizes the salvific passage opened by Christ through his Incarnation, death, and resurrection, inviting all members of the Church to reconcile with God and with one another.
The ceremony commenced in the basilica’s courtyard, filled with the ancient sound of a shofar, a ram’s horn historically used by the ancient Israelites to announce jubilee years, as documented in the Bible. This traditional sound echoed through the hearts of all present, connecting them to centuries of faith and celebration.
As pilgrims pass through these holy doors, they embark on a spiritual journey of renewal and grace, embodying the Jubilee’s message of hope and reconciliation. The opening of these doors serves as a beacon of light and faith in a world that often seeks solace and peace.
Welcome to the start of a new chapter in the Jubilee Year, where faith and hope intersect in a powerful way. Cardinal Harvey led the congregation in a prayer, urging Christians to embrace the spirit of the Apostle Paul and share the Gospel of grace with the world.
As the heavy bronze doors swung open, Cardinal Harvey paused for a moment of silent reflection before stepping inside to the sound of the Jubilee hymn, “Pilgrims of Hope.” The atmosphere was filled with reverence and anticipation as the Mass for the opening of the holy door began.
Cardinal Harvey, a Milwaukee native and esteemed archpriest of the basilica, shared words of wisdom during his homily. Having served as the prefect of the papal household for two esteemed Popes, he spoke with authority and grace.
“With the opening of the holy door, we have entered a sacred temple of hope. As we cross this threshold, we embrace a time of mercy and forgiveness, paving the way for a journey of faith and redemption,” Cardinal Harvey proclaimed.
The Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls stands as a beacon of faith and pilgrimage, built over the tomb of St. Paul and consecrated by Pope Sylvester in 324. It holds a special place in the hearts of believers and will serve as a key location for the Jubilee celebrations.
“By crossing the threshold of this basilica, we embark on a journey of hope and renewal. Let us walk in the footsteps of St. Paul, embracing the promise of faith that will never disappoint,” Cardinal Harvey concluded.
As we embark on this Jubilee Year journey, let us carry the flame of hope in our hearts and spread the message of grace and love to all we encounter. May the spirit of St. Paul guide us as we embrace this sacred time of mercy and forgiveness.
