Vatican City: The Holy Doors of the four papal basilicas in Rome are being sealed this week in private ceremonies, marking the close of the current jubilee period, according to a statement from Holy See Press Office.

The first ceremony took place on Tuesday evening, when the Holy Door of the Basilica of St. Mary Major was sealed at 7 pm local time.

The rites continue on Wednesday at the Basilica of St. John Lateran. On Thursday, January 15, the Holy Door of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls will be closed.

The final ceremony is scheduled for Friday evening, January 16, at St. Peter’s Basilica.

As part of the traditional rite, a bronze box is placed within the masonry of each Holy Door. The box contains the official record of the closing, the key of the Holy Door, papal medals dating from the previous closing in 2016 to the present, and, where available, a commemorative medal of the basilica.

The Holy Doors will remain sealed until they are opened again for the next jubilee.