Cardinal Vicar of Rome Opens Holy Door at Saint John Lateran Basilica

Rome, December 30, 2024: Cardinal Baldo Reina, the Vicar General of Rome, opened the Holy Door of the Papal Basilica of Saint John Lateran, marking the beginning of the Jubilee year across dioceses on December 29. The ceremony, attended by around 3,000 faithful and many others outside, emphasized prayer for families facing hardships. Cardinal Reina invited all to cross the Holy Door, reflecting on God's unshakable love and hope, especially for those in suffering. The celebration, which included the Mayor of Rome inaugurating a renovated square, underscored the importance of unity, family, and the embrace of God's compassion.

During the Mass, Cardinal Reina highlighted the significance of the Holy Family as a model for all families, urging prayer for those in difficulty, especially those in poverty. His homily focused on the warmth and open arms of God the Father, reminding attendees that no matter how far one has strayed, God's embrace is always open. The Cardinal called on all to bring God into their homes, nurturing love and unity in their daily relationships. Emphasizing the gift of being children of God, he drew inspiration from the Parable of the Prodigal Son, noting that God's fatherly love is not earned but given freely.

The opening of the Holy Door, with its symbolic connection to daily life and the threshold of our homes, served as a powerful reminder of God's welcoming presence. Cardinal Reina concluded with a call to pass through the Holy Door with trust, embracing the joy of God's love and becoming active sowers of hope and fraternity in the world.

Courtesy: Vatican News