The Holy Door


This door is usually opened every twenty-five years during the Holy Year. It was also opened recently for the Jubilee years in 1933-34 and 1983-84. The Holy Door represents Christ, the Savior, Shepherd and Teacher. He said of himself, "I am the door: by me if any man enters in he shall be saved." (John, 10:9).

This bronze door, made by the artist Vico Consorti (1950) is decorated with scenes on the subject of sin and forgiveness focused on the Gospel parables of mercy.

1. When Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden, it seemed that a door was closed forever; but the Annunciation opened the door of life through forgiveness brought by Redemption.

2. The Lord is waiting for us at the Holy Door to a) restore joy to those who have wasted the gift of baptism; b) to look for the lamb lost amidst the evils of the world; c) to await the return of the prodigal son; d) to heal those who are maimed by sin.

3. Much has been forgiven in exchange for much love" a) Love and forgiveness;b-c) (St. Peter is the key figure) are the elements needed to find the Lord who, crucified by sin, spoke the words, "Today, you will be with me in Paradise".

4. Lack of faith, a) pride and b) sin that prevent the development of faith will be eliminated by Jesus who said "Forgive us our sins" b) the Lord is waiting for us at that other door; which is our heart, where he knocks every day because he wants to enter "Sto ad ostium et pulso" (I stand at the door, and knock); d) To the left of the Holy Door is the Door of the Sacraments designed by Venanzo Crocetti (1950), The imagery on this door is easy to understand because it lists the sources of Grace, which are the seven sacraments.