The tradition of opening Holy Doors to mark Jubilees has its roots in the early 15th century, specifically beginning with the Jubilee of 1423.

This practice was established to symbolize the passage from sin to grace, inviting the faithful to experience God’s mercy and forgiveness. The Holy Door serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual journey that every Christian is called to undertake, emphasizing the importance of conversion and reconciliation with God[^7].

The significance of the Holy Doors extends beyond mere ritual; they represent a tangible entry point into a deeper relationship with Christ.

As Pope John Paul II articulated, Jesus is referred to as “the door” (John 10:7), indicating that no one can come to the Father except through Him. Thus, passing through the Holy Door is not only a physical act but also a profound spiritual commitment to embrace the grace offered by God[^7].

During a Jubilee Year, the opening of the Holy Doors, particularly at significant basilicas such as St. Peter’s Basilica, marks the beginning of a period of grace and mercy.

The faithful are encouraged to cross the threshold of the Holy Door as a sign of their desire for conversion and renewal. This act is often accompanied by the opportunity to receive a plenary indulgence, which is a remission of temporal punishment due to sin, contingent upon fulfilling certain conditions such as confession, communion, and prayer[^4][^5].

The upcoming Jubilee of Hope, set to span from Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024, to the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6, 2026, will see the opening of five Holy Doors, with the first at St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve.

Other Holy Doors to be opened will be at the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the Basilica of St. Mary Major, and the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. A fifth door will also be located at a prison, the name of which has not yet been announced.

This event will not only commemorate the rich tradition of the Jubilee but also serve as a call for the faithful to engage in acts of mercy and charity, reflecting the core message of the Jubilee Year[^9].

Here in the Catholic Diocese of Uromi, our Bishop, Most Rev Donatus Ogun, will open a door of Mercy at the St. Anthony’s Cathedral on Sunday the 29th of December, 2025. Will you be there?

References

[^1] Incarnationis mysterium: Bull of indiction of the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 8

[^2] Catholic Encyclopedia Holy Year of Jubilee

[^3] Apostolica Constitutio 13

[^4] Spes non confundit – Bull of Indiction of the Ordinary Jubilee of the Year 2025 (9 May 2024) 6

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