Closing of Porta Sancta: Continues in our hearts

Closing the holy doors does not mean closing them forever; it just means stopping at a particular time, but that time continues in our hearts that will bring us joy beyond imagination.

The 7 Holy Doors from the chosen churches in the Diocese of Davao, namely: the Immaculate Conception Parish in Peňaplata, St. James Parish in Bunawan, The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Calinan, St. Jude Parish in Malvar, Sta. Ana Shrine Parish, Sto. Rosario Parish in Toril, and San Pedro Cathedral Parish served as pilgrim destinations for a year from April 2021 to April 2022.

As Most Reverend Romulo G. Valles closed the Porta Sanctas in these churches, some details which he appreciated from each are worth noting. The gift of talents were overflowing and those gifted were never hesitant to share their gifts to the parishioners and pilgrims. When he began his homily in Sto. Rosario Parish, he clapped his hands, praised the choir and said “grabe pagka nindot pag-ayo oy.” This awe he had made him encourage the parishioners to choose music as the inheritance to be passed if they did want to pass something to the next generation. The same thing happened in St. James Parish in Bunawan leaving him amazed of the beautiful voices of an all-female choir.

Transitioning from the talent in music to the talent in visual arts where the newly installed crucifix in St. Jude was mentioned identifying it as a work of a famous sculptor. Also, in Sta. Ana Shrine Parish where the altar was filled with flowers draping from above nobody will never not notice the beauty they add to the church.

As the last door to be closed in San Pedro Cathedral there was also a showcase of the talent for performing arts where young people danced to the usual SINULOG as a cultural expression of the devotion for the Sr. Santo Niňo.

Faith as Door

Anyone who passes through the Holy Doors and has recently gone to confession received Holy Communion and prayed for the intercession of the Holy Father, and the Church will receive a plenary indulgence or complete remission of all temporal punishment due to sins.

Entering the Holy Door is said to represent walking with God’s presence in order to get that plenary indulgence. The door of faith is always open for us, welcoming us into a life of contact with God and acceptance into his Church. When the word of God is spoken, and the heart permits itself to be transformed by changing grace, it is possible to pass that hurdle. To go through the door is to embark on an odyssey that will last a lifetime.

A door is a virtual representation of the Door of Faith in our Hearts. As humans, it is in our nature to enter other doors; we have favorite doors in life, but the Holy door urges us to enter again – the only path, the way of Christ. We enter a certain way of life, a particular track – the pathway to heaven – through that door of faith.

“Take on mahala ang gasa sa pagtuo, take on appreciate the value of holy door, the door of faith that will surely bring you joy beyond imagination”” these were the words of Archbishop Romulo G. Valles for the youth.

The 500-year history of Christianity represents how, as time passes, the seed of faith blossoms to life. Let us enable others to hear the wonderful stories of how beautiful and fulfilling it is to believe in Jesus anew. (Erielle Ferrando)