The author (second from left) with husband Renato Enriquez (far left), niece Rica de Jesus and her husband James
2025 is Jubilee Year—a Year of Hope. The Holy Doors in Rome and around the world are open.
I made a last-minute decision to stop by Rome before my official trip to Switzerland, and it turned out to be one of the best choices I ever made. This Jubilee Year at the Vatican commemorates the 1,950th anniversary of the martyrdom of St. Peter, the first Pope. It is a time filled with the promise of hope, forgiveness, and renewal—a chance for everyone to reflect on one’s life and to seek grace.
As my departure date approached, my family faced a tragedy: our beloved Paowee passed away. One night, a friend named Caress Banson texted me to see if she could call. We ended up talking for over an hour, as her son, Anton, was very close to Paowee. During our heartfelt conversation, I mentioned my upcoming trip to Rome, and she offered to connect us with some priests if we needed guidance.
Caught up in the wake of Paowee’s passing, I suddenly realized I hadn’t made any plans for my trip. I revisited Caress’ message and noted two names: Fr. Greg Gaston, the rector of the Collegio Filipino, and Fr. Arvie Bello, who was in Rome for his PhD deliberations on Canon Law. Each of these priests represented a unique connection to the Church’s mission and teachings.
Walking through the Holy Doors was an unforgettable experience. Each of the four Holy Doors in Rome carries profound meaning, symbolizing hope, forgiveness, and renewal.
Our first stop was the Basilica of St. John Lateran, where Father Rey, a Papal Penitentiary who hears confessions on behalf of the Pope, gave us an all-access tour. Known as the “Mother of All Churches,” this door symbolizes the unity of the Church and the Pope’s role as its shepherd.
Next, we walked about 20 minutes to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, accompanied by Father Greg and Father Nathan. This basilica is a testament to the Church’s devotion to the Virgin Mary, serving as a reminder of her intercession for the faithful. The Pope often stops here to pray before and after his journeys, expressing gratitude for safe travels.
A relic, believed to be pieces of wood of the manger where baby Jesus was laid, is housed in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
Our third stop was the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, built over the tomb of St. Paul. This door emphasizes the Church’s outreach and the universal call to evangelization.
After visiting St. John, we went to the Chapel of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, which houses the original image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
The following day, we visited our final door—St. Peter’s Basilica, the most significant of all. It represents the heart of Catholicism. Father Arvie and Father Peter celebrated a private Mass for us in the Chapel of Irlandia, located in the crypts, at 7:15 a.m.
At the end of our visit, we were surprised to receive a certificate of completion for the pilgrimage from Father Arvie. Father Greg invited us to lunch at the Collegio Filipino, where we bumped into Bo Sanchez, the author of inspirational books. We enjoyed a delicious Filipino meal, although we had hoped to see Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, who was unfortunately busy.
For two days, we enjoyed wonderful weather—sunny and bright! On the day we left, it began to rain.
Throughout the pilgrimage, we truly felt God’s presence—from the planning to the end. What started as a journey filled with uncertainty transformed into a profound spiritual experience intertwined with history. You just gotta have faith!
Now that we are in 2025, I feel grateful for this transformative journey. Who knows what blessings lie in store for those who continue to walk through those doors? This Jubilee Year truly promised to be a life-changing moment, and I am thankful to have been part of it.
