THE HOLY DOOR.

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18947, 17 May 1933, Page 10

THE HOLY DOOR.

OPENED BY THE POPE.

BEGINNING YEAR OF PRAYER.

TO SAVE THE WORLD

ROME, April 1.

High up on Mount Senario, which proudly rears its head between Florence and Bologna, an enormous illuminated cross stands brightly to-night, casting its light over half a ' dozen provinces on both sides of the Apennines from the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Adriatic Sea.

To shepherds in their mountain fastness, to dwellers in the -cities and towns throughout Tuscany, and to the whole world It announced that the Holy Year, proclaimed to commemorate the nineteenth centenary of the redemption of mankind, had been officially inaugurated by the Pope in Rome. It called upon all the faithful, wherever they may live, to unite in fervent prayer to God that the troubles besetting all countries be removed.

The holy doors of Rome’s four major ba-silicas were opened this morning with elaborate -ceremonies. The doors of the basilicas of St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major and St. Paul Outside the Walls were opened by Cardinals serving as Papal Legates, while the Pontiff personally performed the Ceremony at St. Peter’s. About 100,000 persons knelt In prayer as these solemn rites were performed. •Many millions more throughout the world followed the ceremonies by radio.

Tne Door of Justice.

“Open to me the door of justice, for God is with us," was said thrice hy the Pontiff in Latin. Each time he spoke he struck a light blow with a golden hammer on the smooth marble surface of the holy door In the portico of St. Peter’s basilioa. The heavy- slab of marble immediately began revolving backward on hidden hinges, revealing the church dimly lit by countless candles, and filled with thousands of kneeling figures. Four apostolic masters of ceremonies hurried forward to wash the threshold with holy Water.- Then the Pope, holding a lighted candle ■in his right hand and a spear-headed cross in the other, knelt a few moments at the entrance In silent prayer. /'

Pope Enters Alone.

When he arose, the Pope crossed the threshold and entered the church alone as the Sistlne choir intoned “Jubilate Dens’’ and the hells of Rome’s 400 churches began ringing. Thus the city was informed that the Holy Year had begun. The day’s ceremonies began in the Sisline Chapel, where the Pope went in state, accompanied by his retinue half an hour before the ceremony in St. Peter’s. The Pope prayed at the foot of the main altar while Cardinals, prelates and ecclesiastical and lay members of his court knelt in the body of the chapel. The Pope’s approach to the portico of St. Peter’s was heralded by silver trumpets. The Pontiff rode aloft on the sedia gestalorla, the portable throne, which rested on the shoulders of eight scarlet-clad carriers. Over pis head floated a red velvet canopy, richly embroidered with gold. Fixed to six long poles, the canopy was carried by eight attendants. Held over his head were two ilabclli, semicircular ostrich feather fans. Wore Mourning Robes. Around Ihe Pontiff were members of his court. of the colourful robes and uniforms the members wore sombre mourning garb for the ceremony commemorating the death of Christ. Violet prevailed. The pope wore a violet silk mantle and a violet mitre.

W'tien lie arrived opposite the Holy floor Hie Pontiff descended from the sedia gestaloria and sealed himself on a throne erected at (lie left of the door. Cardinal Latin, Grand Penitentiary,. presented to him on a golden platter a golden hammer with an ivory handle.

Willi llie hammer in Ills band the Pope walked to llie Holy Door and struck three light blows, a signal io attendants within lo remove the marble slab that bad obstructed the door since (he close of llie last holy year in 1923. The Pope walked through the door to the chapel of the Sacrament where lie received the heads of orders which serve as custodians of the Holy Door. He reminded them Hint he who is the custodian of his Lord will be honored, adding that nothing more useful, (Continued in next columa.i

nobler or holier could be proppsed to Christian hearts than the Divine Person of the Redeemer and the fruits of redemption which humanity has been experiencing for nineteen centuries with enormous spiritual benefit.

Blesses Thousands in Church.

Then the Pontiff again took his seat in the sedia gestatoria and moved up the main aisle of the basilica, followed by his retinue. The scores of thousands of worshippers crowding St.' Peter’s knelt as the Pontiff passed, distributing his blessing •to right and left. The Pontiff paused first at the Chapel of St. Petronilla, where he prayed before the Blessed Sacrament and venerated the relics of Christ’s passion which arc St. Peter’s most sacred possessions. The principal ones are the veil believed to be that with which Veronica wiped Christ’s 'blood-stained falce, ,the spear with which Christ’s side was pierced when He was on the cross, and a large piece of the true cross.

When his devotions were finished, the Pope mounted a dais from which lie imparted the apostolic benediction. Then, borne aloft on the sedia gestatoria, surrounded by his retinue, he left llie church while the edifice resounded with cheers.