Holy Door, Shrine of Saint Anthony, Maryland

Pope Francis has declared this year the Year of Mercy, a special jubilee year. In Rome, he opened a sealed door into Saint Peter's Basilica. The door is called a "Holy Door." Those who enter through it and perform the usual acts (see below) can gain a Plenary Indulgence. This indulgence removes all the penalties of previous sin and may be applied to the one who walked through the holy door or to a soul in Purgatory (one of those who have died without serious sin but with minor sins or penances that prevent entry into Heaven).

To make the indulgence more available throughout the world-wide church, the Pope asked bishops to establish holy doors in their dioceses. The Archdiocese of Baltimore has made several holy doors in Maryland for their celebration of the Year of Mercy. One is located at the Shrine of Saint Anthony in Ellicott City, Maryland.

Shrine of St. Anthony, Ellicott City, Maryland

The Holy Door

Above the door

Through the door

The Shrine of Saint Anthony's web site explains the requirements for the indulgence quite well:

To receive a full indulgence (called a plenary indulgence), you must:
  1. Walk through the Holy Doors
  2. Go to confession
  3. Receive Communion
  4. Pray for the intentions of the Pope

We welcome everyone to visit the Shrine of St. Anthony during this Jubilee Year of Mercy and walk through the Holy Door, go to confession, attend daily Mass at 12 noon, and pray for the intentions of Pope Francis. 

The Holy Year of Mercy continues until November 20, 2016.