Holy Door of Saint Mary Major Opens, Marking Jubilee Year 2025

Vatican, January 2, 2024: The Holy Door of the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major was officially opened on January 1, 2025, marking the beginning of the Jubilee Year. Presided over by Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, the coadjutor archpriest of the basilica elevated to cardinal in December 2024 by Pope Francis, the event invited pilgrims worldwide to embark on a spiritual journey under the maternal guidance of Mary, the Mother of God.

In his homily during the Mass following the door's opening, Cardinal Makrickas highlighted the profound spiritual significance of the Holy Door. “Our journey begins today,” he said, as the ancient bell known as “the Lost One” rang from the summit of the Esquiline Hill, symbolizing a call to prayer and hope for countless pilgrims over centuries.

Reflecting on the role of Mary, the cardinal described her as humanity’s guiding light, uniting eternity and history. Drawing on the Apostle Paul’s words, he emphasized, “Mary is the path chosen by God; through her, eternity and history meet. She is the Immaculate Mother, bringing God’s infinite time into our finite lives.”

The basilica, home to the revered icon of Mary, Salus Populi Romani, and the relic of the Holy Cradle, offers a spiritual sanctuary for pilgrims. Cardinal Makrickas reminded the faithful of the symbolic significance of the Cradle, tying it to the journey of the first Christian pilgrims—the shepherds of Bethlehem. “This basilica, the ‘Bethlehem of the West,’ guides us like the Star of Bethlehem, pointing to Jesus Christ, the true Light of the World,” he said.

Concluding his homily, the cardinal invoked Pope Francis’ words from the Jubilee’s Bull of Indiction, Spes non confundit, urging pilgrims to entrust their lives to Mary, who leads all to Christ. He emphasized the Jubilee as a time of grace and renewal, extending hope to all. “No one is excluded from this path of hope. Mary, our Mother, is beside every one of us, loving us unconditionally and leading us to her Son.”

The opening of the Holy Door at Saint Mary Major sets the tone for the Jubilee Year, inspiring millions to embrace this spiritual journey and deepen their faith.

Courtesy: Vatican News