Many tourists will be making a pilgrimage to Rome this year in order to be a part of The Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy Holy Year. It is being called Extraordinary because it is taking place before the scheduled Jubilee Year which usually takes place every 25 or 50 years. The Jubilee of Mercy began in Rome on December 8, 2015 with the opening of the Holy Door at Saint Peter’s Basilica and will end on November 20, 2016 with the closing of the Holy Door of Saint Peter’s. Along with Saint Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis has opened the Holy Doors to the other three Papal Basilicas in Rome. This marks a very special and important year for many pilgrims as these Holy Doors are only opened during the Jubilee Year.
Why not take part in this special pilgrimage to tour the most sacred and major Basilicas in Rome including the “scala santa†holy steps which Jesus climbed. It is said that who walks through one of these Holy Doors will receive plenary indulgence (have one’s sins forgiven).
Visiting these Holy sights all in one day can be a daunting task on foot as the Basilicas are located in various parts of the city. However, if you want to avoid the overcrowded transportation systems and the endless traffic and limited parking areas, the least stressful way to get around the city is by shuttle express. It is a hassle free way to move around the city of Rome thus giving you the opportunity to visit all four of the major Basilicas in the same day.
Civitavecchia Shuttle Express can make this pilgrimage a pleasant and memorable experience allowing you to travel in comfort and without worries. A personalized tour can be organized upon request satisfying your every need and desires.
Here you will find a beautiful video guide on the history and background of the four Papal Basilicas that are part of the papal pilgrimage; Saint Peter’s Basilica, St. John in Lateran, St Paul’s outside the Walls and St Mary Major.
Let’s not forget about the Papal Audience. While in Rome, you will want the possibility to see the Pope and receive a special blessing by him. The Papal audiences are usually held in Saint Peter’s Square during the spring, summer and autumn months. There are seats available towards the front for those who have tickets but even with tickets it is a first come first basis for seating. So plan on arriving early for seating. There is also plenty of standing room for those who aren’t able to arrive early or weren’t able to get tickets in advance. You can find the Vatican’s calendar of events by clicking on the following link.
Some things to keep in mind while planning your trip.
Registration for the Holy Door
Entrance through the Holy Door at Saint Peter’s Basilica is free and open to everyone. So be leary of anyone trying to sell you tickets to go through the Holy Door. However one must be registered and have a reservation. Reservations can be obtained by going to the Jubilee website.
Dress Code
Another important consideration to keep in mind when visiting Holy sites (this includes all churches in Rome) is your attire. Both women and men must have shoulders covered (no tank tops) and women’s dresses, skirts and capri pants have to be knee length. Men have to wear long pants and t-shirt or short sleeved shirt is permitted. Hats must be taken off prior to entering any church.
I’d like to close with a quote from Pope Francis, “A revolution of tenderness is what needs to be cultivated today as the fruit of this Holy Year of Mercy.â€