Opening the Holy Door: Hope-Filled Scripture Reflections from St. Peter's Basilica

Julie Storr reviews Joan Watson's new book introducing the beauty and symbolism of the Holy Door: an excellent read for the Jubilee of Mercy.

Opening the Holy Door: Hope-Filled Scripture Reflections from St. Peter's Basilica

by Joan Watson
Publisher: Ave Maria Press

When it comes to being Catholic, there’s always something to learn, isn’t there? 

I have been to Rome three times. I’ve walked past the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica more than three times. Each time I was there, with people rushing by, there was no opportunity to stop and study the panels on the door. 

If you have experienced the same, or if you have never been to St. Peter’s, I’ve got good news for you. Reading Opening the Holy Door by Joan Watson is like bringing the Holy Door to your house. 

The Holy Door and Spiritual Growth

The book dedicates a chapter to each panel. Each chapter has an explanation of the panel and encourages you to “Turn to the Word” to read the story in Scripture. 

Without this book, I would have never noticed the cat in the scene of the Annunciation. There isn’t a definitive explanation why there is a cat the scene, but I learned that there is often a cat with Mary in sacred art depicting this event. I now will pay more attention to Annunciation artwork to look for a cat! 

I spent much time meditating on the scene of Jesus’ Baptism. As you study the image and dwell on the Scripture verses, you come to know that Jesus didn’t need to be cleansed. Jesus went into the water to cleanse the water, showing us that the waters cleanse us. 

The next time I go to Rome I want to gaze on the panel of Thomas looking at the wounds of the resurrected Jesus. This chapter, Chapter 11 is titled, “The Only Man-Made Thing in Heaven.” This chapter was very moving, and I look forward to spending more time in it. 

Whether you’ve been to Rome or not, Opening the Holy Door would be a fantastic book for your personal study or for a group. And, whether you’ve been to Rome or not, there is much to glean from the study in these twelve chapters. 

Actually, this book would be a great study for Lent. The chapters in this book are rich and studying two chapters a week would be let the food of each chapter sink in and bear fruit in your faith life. 

Is this a book you'd like to read? Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2025 Julie Storr
Images: Canva