To mark the anniversary of the founding of the first North American
French parish 350 years ago, a holy door is being constructed on the
north side of Basilica-Cathedral Notre Dame de Quebec, and will be
opened from 8 December of this year until 28 December 2014.Created by prominent Montreal sculptor Jules Lasalle, whose work appears in many Quebec churches, the exterior features Jesus with welcoming arms and the interior of the door depicts Mary.
The door will be only the seventh holy door in the world and the only one in the Americas; the other six are in Rome, Spain and France.
Holy doors are traditionally sealed shut from the inside but opened during Jubilee years, when pilgrims passing through them gain a plenary indulgence.