PHOTO | COURTESY ARCHDIOCESE OF QUEBEC More than 350,000 people passed through the Holy Door of Quebec City's Cathedral-Basilica of Notre Dame de Québec last year.

QUEBEC – A year of celebration in the Archdiocese of Quebec drew more than 350,000 pilgrims through the Holy Door of Quebec City's Cathedral-Basilica of Notre Dame de Québec.

The celebrations began in 2013 on Dec. 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, when Notre Dame, North America's first parish, marked the start of its 350th year.

The original building, consecrated in 1666, was destroyed by fire in 1759 during the Siege of Quebec as was its replacement in 1922 when fire entirely gutted the church.

Notre Dame has long been a popular tourism site in the historic city. The opening of the Holy Door only added to its popularity.

"A couple of years ago when we were asked how many people do you think it will bring, we expected a lot, a quarter of a million, but if we have 50,000 we will be happy," said Marie Hélène Guay, communications director for the 350th anniversary team.

"It started like crazy the first day that it opened and we will probably finish the year with 350,000 people having gone through the Holy Door."

Cardinal Gerald Lacroix, archbishop of Quebec, extended an invitation to every bishop in North America to visit the cathedral during 2014 with as many followers as possible.

There are only six other Holy Doors in the world, none in North America.

The door closed Dec. 28 and will remain sealed until the next Holy Year of the Universal Church in 2025.