On December 8th, the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica was opened in a historical ritual, a ritual which also began celebrations that will last a year. This is a celebration that we will enter into fully next month!
Why such a monumental occasion? Pope Francis explained to the faithful, “I have decided to call an extraordinary Jubilee that is to have the mercy of God at its center. It shall be a Holy Year of Mercy. We want to live this Year in the light of the Lord’s words: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful" (Lk 6:36).
“Pilgrimage is a symbol of life,” said Pope Francis. “It makes us think of life as walking, as a path. If a person does not walk, but instead stays still, this is not useful; it accomplishes nothing. Think of water: when water is not in the river, it does not course, but instead it remains still and stagnates. A soul that does not walk in life doing good, doing many things that one must do for society, to assist others, or who does not walk through life seeking God and inspiration from the Holy Spirit, is a soul that finishes in mediocrity and in spiritual poverty. Please: do not stand still in life!”
Today, let us ask the Holy Spirit to put a spark in our step this June as we walk in relationship with our sisters on earth, in the footsteps of our sisters the saints, seeking to grow ever closer to that most perfect relationship for which we were created—the Most Holy Trinity.
Looking forward to journeying with you!