Have you wondered about our theme this year? Why, Open the Door, and to what? The theme is inspired by this being a special year! 2025 was officially proclaimed by Pope Francis as a Jubilee Year, also known as a Holy Year, which is a special year of grace traditionally occurring every 25 years.
The Jubilee Year & the Holy Door are deeply intertwined concepts in Catholicism. The Holy Door is a ceremonial entrance in each of the Vatican’s four major basilicas- opened only during Jubilee years. Pilgrims come to cross the threshold of these doors. The practice encourages Catholics to reflect on their journey of faith and place their trust in God’s promises. The Holy Door and the Jubilee Year serve as powerful reminders of God’s abundant mercy & forgiveness. It is a call for Catholics to embark on a spiritual journey of conversion, renewal and deeper communion with Christ.
Most significantly, the Holy Door can remind us, Jesus himself, is referred to as the “door” through which we are saved. May it encourage us to center our life to follow and be guided by Christ.
One thing that came to mind when I thought about our theme was a little story about a boy named Josh who had been bullied. By some grace he had the idea to respond by adopting one simple act, opening the door to fellow students. At first his gesture was not understood but in time, through doing this, he opened up relationships with his peers. Josh took opening the door literally and it opened the hearts of his classmates and changed the culture of the school. I began to reflect on how differently I feel when simply greeted by a smile or not. How would our families, our communities, our Church, our lives be changed by such simple things as a smile, a warm greeting, a kind word, or an open door?
The most important question is, will this theme have meaning to each of us? What doors is Jesus opening for you? What doors does Jesus call you to open?
This year’s theme is an invitation to open doors to opportunities and graces offered by Christ to us in any given day.