𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝘆 𝗗𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮

Presiding at the Sunday Mass on the Feast of the Holy Family, Cardinal Baldassare Reina recalled how pilgrims come here to free themselves of their burdens and those the world places upon them. The Cardinal is Pope Francis' Vicar General of the Diocese of Rome who opened the Holy Door of his Cathedral, the Papal Basilica of St. John Lateran, a celebration marking the beginning of the jubilee year in all dioceses.

Around three thousand faithful attended the celebration in the Basilica, while many others remained outside to follow it live. The prayer pronounced by Cardinal Reina in opening the Holy Door asked that all who pass through it be accompanied with God's grace: "as a flock that gathers in the one sheepfold, may they live fruitfully this jubilee year." In silence, the bronze door of the Holy Door was opened with a pause for prayer, and then the bells rang out in the "mother of all churches" to the notes of the Jubilee hymn. In communion with Pope Francis, in his Cathedral, the faithful were invited to join in prayer together with the assurance of his spiritual support and joy.

In his homily, Cardinal Reina emphasized compassion and solidarity with those suffering, including the sick, prisoners, and those burdened by pain, loneliness, and poverty. He encouraged everyone to embrace hope and reject feelings of abandonment, especially in a world torn by wars, discord, and inequality.

Marking the Feast of the Holy Family, he prayed for families in difficulty, urging civil leaders to prioritize families in poverty and support their dignity. He highlighted the importance of bringing God into family life, relationships, and the care of the elderly, drawing inspiration from the Holy Family as a model of unity and love.

Reflecting on the Parable of the Prodigal Son, he called for rediscovering the gift of being children of God, a relationship founded on unconditional love rather than merit. Cardinal Reina likened the Father’s open arms to the Holy Door, symbolizing God’s unreserved forgiveness and welcome, regardless of past mistakes.

He concluded by urging the faithful to trust in God’s goodness, become sowers of hope, and build a world marked by fraternity and love.