Jan 6, 2025
On January 05, 2025, the eve of the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, the Second Sunday after Christmas, Cardinal James Harvey, Archpriest of the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome and formerly served as the prefect of the papal household for Pope John Paul II and Benedict XVI, opened the Holy Door, crossing the threshold of the Basilica as the Jubilee hymn resounded.
The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, one of Romeโs four papal basilicas, is built over the tomb of St. Paul and was first consecrated in 324 by Pope Sylvester. It has long been a significant site of pilgrimage, and during the jubilee, it will play a central role as one of the five Holy Door locations designated by the pope.
The opening rite of the Holy Door began with the ancient sound of a shofar, a ram's horn historically used by the ancient Israelities to announce jubilee years, as recorded in the Bible
The events and scenes mirrored those from the start of the Jubilee of Hope, which began at Saint Peter's Basilica, Rome's Rebibbia prison, and the Basilicas of Saint John Lateran and Saint Mary Major. Before entering the Basilica housing the relics of the Apostle Paul, the faithful paused to reflect on the cross atop the mosaic facade.
Cardinal Harvey entered the Basilica as the Jubilee hymn played. The procession, joined by members of the monastic community of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, moved toward the Altar of Confession. Cardinal Harvey, along with Archbishop Rino Fisichella, the organizer of the Jubilee, and others, walked down the basilica's nave. Over 2,800 people participated in the Eucharistic celebration.
Cardinal Harveyโs homily reflected on the themes of joy and hope. He described the act as both simple and profound, symbolizing a passage into mercy and reconciliation through Christ's incarnation, death, and resurrection. He emphasized joy as the sentiment of Redemption and hope as a certainty rooted in Godโs promises, especially vital in a world still healing from crises. Drawing on Pope Francisโ catechesis, he highlighted hope as an active virtue that inspires action, not passive waiting. He invited all to embrace the Jubilee as a pilgrimage of faith, united as a community proclaiming Christโs resurrection and steadfast in the hope that does not disappoint.
He invited pilgrims to embark on a spiritual journey, guided by the Holy Spirit, as a united community proclaiming the resurrection of Christ.