In announcing the year of Mercy, Pope Francis wrote:
“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 Rite for Opening of the Holy door states:
” …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).”
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:
- Mission San Diego de Alcala
- Saint Joseph Cathedral
- Saint Jude Shrine of the West
- Saint Thomas More Wednesday
