New-York tribune., 1901-01-13

there after a thorough and sincere conversion.
When the Pope opens the door the three knocks
which he gives TO Il represent the three conti-
nents-Europe. Africa and Asa-to which the
Pope offers the treasures which he s the medi-
fo- dispensing. The three strokes also are
looked upon as symbolizing the JOY that the
jubilee causes TO the faithful OF Heaven. Earth
and Purgatory. The Pope. who is seated on a
raised throne in front OF the large door in the
middle Of the grand portiCo, remains stationary
for brief while, until the Prince Of the Throne
presents a golden hammer His Holiness,
which the latter takes in his right hand and.
rising from his throne. goes and knocks at the
Holy Door His clergy follow him. each with a
candle in his hand. His Holiness after knock
ing three times at the door. says In Latin: open
TO these doors Of Justice" Then the choir
adds This Is the door OF the Eternal One, and
the just will enter IN" etc. After this the
master masons knock down the wall which in
closes the Holy Door. the wall being so lightly
put together. however. that Its four sides are
held together but slightly, the stones OF which
ii is composed not being cemented. Thus no
has the Pope Knocked at the Holy Doos
than II falls without any resistance The debris
OF the wall s distributed among the worship
pers who hasten TO gather it In order 20 put 1t
among their precious relies
While this Is taking place the Pope reseats
himself on the throne. but after the demolition
is completed the penitentiaries of St. Peter take
their brooms. clean the floor, remove the pieces
OF brick and mortar from the passage-which
are not looked upon material to be held in
light esteem. since relics made of them
and wash the mouldings and all round the door
with holy water. This work being finished His
Holiness once more descends from his throne
words: "HRc dies guam fecit Dominus." etc.
which the choir continues to sing after him
Arriving at the Holy Door the Pope recltes
some prayers, takes the cross kneeIs before the
door. intones the TIE Deum. and rising again
while singing, passes through the Holy Door, his
clergy following him. Everybody who can goes
into st. Peters to witness this superb ceremony
or to take part in the vespers the Papa
Chapel After the Vespers the Cardinals take off
their robes and put their red capes accom-
pany the Pope to the door of his private apart
ments. and then retire.
After the morning mass on Christmas Day His
Holiness goes TO the lodge of the Benediction
where he blesses the faithful In the form which
is only used on the occasion OF the jubilee. The
closing the door is very similar ceremony to
the opening. The greatest solemnity is OBJ
served, and thousands of privileged pilgrims
flock to the Cathedral TO be witnesses of what
except in rare instances. occurs but once In q
lifetime. His Holiness lays the first brick for
the closing Of the door. all the Cardinals, Mon
sgnors and other dgnitaries in Rome being
witnesses of the operation. The bricks used
for this purpose are about double the ordinary
size, being covered with thin layer of plate
I in some cases of silver and In others of gold
They bear in relief the Papal arms and the In
scriptiOn: Leo Kill POnt Max. Aperuit ct
causit."