The Holy Year of 1950

St Peter's Basilica erected over the hallowed grave of the first Vicor of Christ on Earth is the setting for an inspiring series of religious functions in 1950 here since 1300 ad the faithful have responded to the Jubilee or holy year call of the Holy fathers hastening to Rome truly penitent from every Walk of Life from every quarter of the Civilized World they make their way to the Eternal City spiritual World capital of the Catholic [Music] Church along the historic aan way young priests tra the ancient flagstones aware that before them countless Millions have passed Saints marters infidels the humble and the great yes even St Peter himself for this is a high from compa to Rome constructed in 312 BC the tiny Chapel of quada stands on the spot where Christ appeared to St Peter to give him a renewed faith and courage to continue his Divine Mission and brave the threat of a martyr's death it is a tradition that this protected Stone holds an impression of the savior's feet as the pilgrim of today enters Rome from the south the crumbling walls of the Coliseum remind him of Marts who here suffered for their faith that their sacrifices might turn the minds of men from Darkness to light then the lovely Bell Tower of the St Mary major Basilica at top the escaline noted for its striking mosaics here one of the Holy doors is [Music] seen St Paul's Basilica outside the walls is situated as its name indicates beyond the walls of ancient Rome once every year the reigning pontiff celebrates Mass here in honor of the moded Apostle and within the Basilica is one of the Holy doors finally the pilgrim visits St John laran the Cathedral of Rome which also has one of the Holy [Music] doors a moment decade has passed since aeno Cardinal pachelli became pop piest 12 a decade of War and World upheaval the shadow of impending events falls upon the colorful ceremonies of the coronation and sobers everyone in attendance from the lowliest of the faithful to members of the Italian royal family none who receives the Papal Blessing forgets this day and no one doubts that a storm of events May beat upon the Fortress of the church but leave her inv violent for here is enthroned a spiritual power that no Godless philosophy May ever hope to [Music] Vanquish Christmas Eve 1949 and Pope Pas 12th surrounded by the hierarchy of the church inaugurates the holy year of 1950 by striking the holy door and in toning open unto me the gate of Justice the choir responds I will go into them and praise the Lord then the mass of holy door is slowly lowered at the same instant the holy doors and the other three basilicas are opened as his Entourage watches reverently his Holiness will kneel for the Jubilee prayer in which he asks that the holy year be for all a year of purification and reparation a year of great return and great forgiveness his Holiness is the first toenter the holy door of St Peters but he will be followed by thousands of pilgrims of high and low degree during the year ushered in by this soln ceremony they also will visit the other three basilicas as required for the Jubilee [Music] Indulgence now more than ever before the pontiff's days are crowded each morning a Vatican attendant prepares his private Chapel for devotions preparations are made for audiences in the beautiful Clemen room hung with Priceless canvases by Rayfield Michelangelo and other Renaissance painters now the spiritual leader of millions quietly enters the audience chamber with a democratic Simplicity that puts everyone at ease even non-catholics who may be present cannot fail to be aware that there is about the person of this tall unified man something indefinable something exalted people of all nations are received regardless of or Creed whether unknown or famous rich or poor all may speak with the Holy Father request his advice ask him to pray for the sick and Afflicted or the success of some worthy Endeavor his Holiness listens to each one and considers each problem with such attentiveness compassion and fatherly kindness that one feels his burden lightened his heart lifted and his soul attuned to with spiritual eminence and this is a great Boon to the pilgrim leaving him with a deeper sense of the great purpose of the pilgrimage to receive the extraordinary plenary Indulgence granted by the Holy Father to all being truly repentant confessing their sins receiving holy communion then visiting the the four basilicas and meeting other holy year [Music] requirements and now the audience completed the Pope reassumes the Majesty of his office and bestows his benediction on the [Music] Gathering at some time every day the pontiff retires to work in seclusion allowing himself only the brief relaxation of a short stroll in the Vatican Gardens here his white silhouette seems to add to the peace and serenity around him the first large group of American Pilgrims arrives in Rome and enter St Peter led by Francis Cardinal Spelman Archbishop of New York each American Bishop will lead his followers to the holy doors and kneel in prayer before passing through the portals marking the solemnity of the occasion Holy Mass is celebrated by his Eminence C Felman a vast church thronged with worshippers including more than 500 Americans who have made the pilgrimage with their [Music] Archbishop St Peters is thronged with pilgrims on the occasion of every ceremony of the Jubilee year when his Holiness is majestically carried a loft in the city of gestatoria surrounded by by the Swiss guards in their Michelangelo designed uniforms together with high prets priests and Vatican attendants later his Holiness receives Cardinal Spellman Prince of the church and warm personal friend the emotional peak of the pilgrimage comes with the faithful kiss the papal ring and The Devout will pray at hallowed shrines for the Jubilee Indulgence and as they have prayed through the centuries to gain peace of mind and soul to renew strength of Faith with divine grace and then to return to their homes thankful for the Privileges of the Holy year of 1950 oh