PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY DOOR

On December 8  year 2015 , during the celebration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of  the St. Peter’s Basilica. From this day until November 20, 2016, for us Roman Catholic is the Feast of Christ the King, exactly 349 days  is the period of prayer. It is the time of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy.  Jubilee year  should be predetermined way before  and  it is  celebrated every 25 years  with the last one  in year 2000 during the time of  Pope John Paul II.

the white tent served as  the registration center

for groups, they will give a crucifix.

the pilgrimage route starts at the white tent and the whole length of Via della Concilliazione. along the way are multiple stops for prayer and contemplation.

Pope Francis opened the first Holy Door in Bangui, Africa on 29^th of November 2015. Grateful that I was able to watched  the live telecast . I was moved by its holiness and simplicity that from there on I promised myself to passed through the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica. And I finally did it on the 2^nd day of the year 2016.

above the Holy Door is the portrait of St. Peter

I didn’t waste any time. I  registered  online to be able to enter the reserved area for pilgrims. I went with my religious friends, they are Sisters from the Figlie del Divino Zelo congregation.  We did the Station of the Cross with other pilgrims until we reached the Holy Door and finally the Main Altar of St. Peter.

It was a very holy experience for me.