Doors of Hope
On Christmas Eve, Pope Francis opened the Holy Doors in St Peter’s Basilica, marking the beginning of the 2025 Jubilee Year, last opened for the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy in 2015, and before that by Pope St John Paul II for the Millennium Jubilee in 2000.
Click on the video to watch.
As part of the Jubilee celebrations we have made our own Jubilee Door of Hope here at Holy Cross. We thought it would be lovely to involve our whole community so we have asked for all children and staff to either draw, design or /photograph themselves by/in front of their own front doors and collate them into a special Holy Cross Door of Hope. See the result below.
Why a door?
The opening of the Holy Door during the Jubilee symbolises the passage that all Christians should make from sin to grace.
From a symbolic viewpoint, the Holy Door takes on a special significance: it is the most powerful sign of the Jubilee, since the ultimate aim of the pilgrim is to pass through it. The opening of the door by the Pope constitutes the official beginning of the Holy Year.
In crossing the threshold of the Holy Door, we are reminded of the passage from chapter 10 of St John’s gospel: “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” Passing through the Holy Door expresses the decision to follow and be guided by Jesus, who is the Good Shepherd.
Click the link for more information about the Jubilee Year of Hope.
Across the world, so many doors stand, Each one can be holy, where God can be found
For it’s not the beauty, the size, or the glow, But the path the door opens, where we all can go.
A heavy wooden door, creaking on its hinge, Solid and sturdy, protecting within.
A glass door, so clear, revealing the view, Of life passing by, everchanging and new.
A jolly doorbell, ringing with cheer, Welcoming friends and loved ones near.
Old doors, worn by the years, Echoing laughter, remembering tears.
Each scratch and dent, a mark of the past, Through every doorway, the memories last.
In a Jubilee year, holy doors are expected. Flung wide open, to keep us connected.
It’s for us to decide, a chance to learn, How the door we might open could ease a concern.
Not always big, not always grand, Small acts of kindness, a reach for God’s hand.
Each door to safety, each door to peace, Brings us closer to God, worries released.
As we gather together, let’s reflect and pray, On the holy doors, guiding our way.
May our hearts be open, our spirits on fire, knowing that God’s love will never tire.
A pilgrimage of hope, we’re journeying on, spreading God’s love, wherever we’re from.