Place of Pilgrimage for the Great Jubilee
Year
Most Reverend Daniel P. Reilly, Ordinary of
Worcester, declared St. Joseph Basilica as a place of pilgrimage
for the Great Jubilee Year. The sealed Jubilee Door at the
basilica will be open during the solemn celebration on Christmas
Eve, December 24, 1999 simultaneously with the Holy Father
opening Jubilee Door at St. Peter Basilica in Rome. All the
faithful who pass through this door on that day will receive
indulgences prescribed by the Church under the usual conditions.
The polyphonic St. Joseph Basilica Choir will provide the
liturgical music. Each Catholic attending the ceremonies is
encouraged to write his/her name in the Jubilee Book, which will
be placed in the vestibule of the basilica. A Jubilee Pin will be
distributed to those who made this commitment. Crossing the
threshold of the Jubilee Door should not be mechanical but rather
a new opportunity to renew our commitment to serve God and His
people. The following inspirational themes for the faithful to
reflect on their spiritual growth were provided during the last
three months of the year: "A faith without deeds is empty",
"Forgive, reconcile, and change your heart", "Is
your hearth a manger for Jesus".
During the Jubilee Year various pilgrimages will be
coming to St. Joseph Basilica. On March 19, 2000 at 2 p.m. there
will be a special Jubilee celebration for the region with Bishop
Daniel P. Reilly as the principal celebrant.
All pilgrims, individuals or groups, are invited to visit the
basilica during this Holy Year to be inspired through its unique
religious ambiance, to obtain the needed graces from God, or to
reflect on the mystery of our salvation. Devotional assistance
will be available including the Sacrament of Reconciliation and
the Eucharist. For details, please call St. Joseph Rectory at 508-943-0467.
