Designation of Holy Doors
In accord with Misericordiae Vultus , the document in which Pope Francis announces the Year of Mercy, Bishop McElroy has designated the following as Pilgrimage Churches in the Diocese of San Diego. They will be opening Holy Doors on the specified dates.
| Pilgrimage Churches: | Date for the opening of the Holy Door: |
|---|---|
| La Capilla de Cristo Rey, El Centro | TBD |
| Our Lady of Guadalupe, Calexico | Sunday, December 13th |
| Mission San Diego de Acala | Sunday, December 13th |
| Saint Joseph Cathedral | Sunday, December 13th |
| Saint Jude Shrine of the West | Sunday, December 13th |
| Saint Thomas More | Wednesday, December 16th |
Paragraph 14 of Misericoridiae Vultis, reads:
“The practice of pilgrimage has a special place in the Holy Year, because it represents the journey each of us makes in this life. Life itself is a pilgrimage, and the human being is a viator, a pilgrim travelling along the road, making his way to the desired destination. Similarly, to reach the Holy door in Rome or in any other place in the world, everyone, each according to his or her ability, will have to make a pilgrimage. This will be a sign that mercy is also a goal to reach and requires dedication and sacrifice. May pilgrimage be an impetus to conversion: by crossing the threshold of the Holy door, we will find the strength to embrace God’s mercy and dedicate ourselves to being merciful with others as the Father has been with us.” The following is an excerpt from the Introduction to the Rite for Opening of the Holy door: “ …a holy door finds meaning only when the believer associates the door with Christ. Jesus is the Door! In the words of Pope Francis, ‘There is only one way that opens wide the entrance into the life of communion with God: this is Jesus the one and absolute way to salvation. To him alone can the words of the Psalmist be applied in full truth ‘This is the door of the Lord where the just may enter’ (Ps 118:20).”
