ROME 5 (NE) The Holy Doors of three Major Basilicas in Rome will be closed today afternoon, during the celebration of vespers for the solemnity of the Epiphany. The Holy Doors of St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls and St. Mary Maggiore, crossed by thousands of faithful during the Holy Year, will be closed approximately at the same time during parallel ceremonies presided each by a Cardinal Legate.

    The closing ceremony for the Holy Door in St. Peter's Basilica will take place on Saturday, presided by Pope John Paul II himself. During the celebration the Pope will also officially close the Jubilee Year and sign a new pastoral letter "Novo millennio ineunte." As part of the Holy Year's closing activities, the Pope will gather today with children from all over the world.

    The number of pilgrims waiting in St. Peter's Square to cross the Holy Door has increased over the last days. Yesterday, as it will probably be done today as well, the doors of the Basilica remained open till later in the afternoon to allow more pilgrims to gain the Jubilee indulgence by crossing the Holy Door.

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January 5, 2001
volume 12, no. 5
News from the Vatican

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