Located in the Notre Dame Basilica-Cathedral, the Holy Door of Québec City is one of seven such doors worldwide, and the only one to be found outside Europe.
Holy Doors symbolize a passage between what one leaves behind to what one wishes to walk toward. There are six other such Doors around the world: four in Rome, one in Spain and one in France.
The Holy Door in Québec City was inaugurated in 2013 during the 350th anniversary celebration of the founding of the Notre-Dame de Québec parish by François de Laval. A Holy Door is generally kept sealed, only being opened in holy years. The Holy Door is currently shut and will remain so until the next Jubilee in 2025.
What is the full Holy Door?
When the Door is open, anyone, Christian or not, may pass through it. Those wishing to do so must first follow the Pilgrims' Garden Path along the left of the Basilica-Cathedral to the Holy Door. Next, they would enter the Basilica through the Holy Door. The act of walking through the Door to enter the Basilica reflects the inner journey of contemplating one's life and seeking the Truth.
When closed, a Holy Door is a place of contemplation. Pilgrims may approach the Door and touch it. In the summer, they may also go the Holy Door Garden to pray.
Jeff Frenette
Jeff Frenette Photography
