Canada’s Holy Door, Québec City, Québec

(Observer photo/Courtesy Daniel Abel)

Destination: While there are eight Holy Doors in the Rockford Diocese selected by Bishop David Malloy, the only North American Holy Door specifically approved by the Vatican is the one at Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral, which traces its roots to 1664.
Why to go: The idea of the Holy Door was conceived a few years before Notre-Dame de Québec parish’s 350th anniversary in 2014. The door was pierced into the Basilica-
Cathedral and its construction was funded by the Knights of Columbus. That year, more than 300,000 people from 42 countries, including 415 groups of pilgrims, passed through the door. More are expected this year.
In December 2015, the Holy Door was reopened for the Jubilee Year of Mercy proclaimed by Pope Francis. Since pilgrimages to Holy Doors are encouraged during holy years, a whole team is ready to welcome pilgrims and visitors. A typical pilgrimage schedule includes recollection in the Pilgrims Garden, passing through the Holy Door, readings and prayers. Now a national historical monument, it was built in 1647. Notre-Dame de Québec offers a stylistic homogeneity even though it was extended, improved, bombarded, and burnt down over the centuries. After a major fire in 1922, the cathedral was restored using old plans and photographs. Among its main features are a neo-classical facade with two asymetrical towers, stained glass windows created in Munich and Paris, and three Casavant organs.   

(Observer photo/

Courtesy Daniel Abel)

(Observer photo/Courtesy Daniel Abel)

Access: The Holy Door is accessible through the Pilgrim’s Garden and up a flight of stairs. People with walkers or wheelchairs will need help.
Info: Address — Basilica-Cathedral, The Cathedral Secretariat, 16 rue De Buade, Québec (Québec), G1R 4A1 CANADA. Phone — +1-418-692-2533 Website — http://holydoorquebec.ca/en/
(Grand) Kid friendly: Yes, kids of all ages are more than welcome.
— Compiled by Sharon Boehlefeld with assistance from François Miville-Deschênes of Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral
Send Destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org