PILGRIMAGE DAY 6 has led us right through the Holy Door of St. Peter's Bascilica--the heart of the Universal Church and a sacred threshold of grace in this Jubilee Year of Hope.

 Crossing that threshold, we entered the largest and grandest church in the world and stood in awe beneath its soaring dome — a masterpiece of faith and architecture.

Towering before us under that dome is the famous bronze baldechino designed by Bernini which shelters the high altar where only the pope may celebrate Holy Mass. Its twisted columns rise out of the solid foundation below the altar--the rock upon whom Christ built His Church--the tomb of St. Peter, the fisherman turned apostle, turned vicar of Christ on earth, turned martyr.

 Beyond the altar, the golden radiance of the Chair of St. Peter glows with divine majesty — symbol of the apostolic authority Christ entrusted to Peter, the rock on which the Church was built (Mt 16:18). Above it, the stained-glass Holy Spirit window reminds us that the Church is not only historic — it is alive, it is now, and it is guided still.

✨This Jubilee of Youth pilgrimage within the Jubilee year of Hope caused this "megachurch" to be incredibly crowded with youth--youth longing for God, to offer their prayer intentions while kneeling before the tombs of the "Great" saints to fulfill their intention for crossing the threshold of those Holy Doors--to be filled with a particular grace that inspires hope--a hope that does not disappoint. Little do they know that the sight of so many youth gathered in this majestic space is an inspiration of hope for so many faithful around the world. *Select any photo to view the entire picture