The holy door at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis was closed after the 9:30 a.m. Mass Sept. 13 in anticipation of opening again in response to Pope Francis’ call for a Jubilee Year of Mercy.
Cathedrals around the world will join together with Pope Francis in opening their holy door — symbolizing the beginning of the Year of Mercy — Dec. 8.
“The custom of holy doors grew out of our human experience of doors. Doors mark thresholds and provide entryways,” said Johan van Parys, Basilica director of liturgy.
“When closed, holy doors symbolize our sinful human condition epitomized by the expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise,” van Parys explained. “When they are open, holy doors symbolize how Jesus opened the gates to Paradise for us by virtue of his life, death and resurrection.”
The Basilica’s holy door is covered with a picture of the Divine Mercy icon — the face of Christ. It will be closed for the next three months and open during Mass on Dec. 13.
In his letter introducing the Year of Mercy, Pope Francis said each holy door “will become a door of mercy through which anyone who enters will experience the love of God who consoles, pardons, and instills hope.”
The Year of Mercy begins Dec. 8, and ends Nov. 20, 2016.
