Aurangabad Diocese as Pilgrims of Hope

The Diocese of Aurangabad hosted an insightful webinar titled "Pilgrims of Hope on the Synodal Journey" on Friday, 15 November 2025, via Google Meet. The event, organized by Rev. Fr. Michael Francis, Diocesan Contact Person for Jubilee 2025, brought together 30 participants who will play a pivotal role in the Diocese's Jubilee 2025 preparations and celebrations.

His Excellency Most Rev. Bernard Lancy Pinto, Bishop of Aurangabad, delivered the Presidential Address, stressing the significance of hope as a theological virtue. He highlighted the synodal process as a journey towards a more participatory and inclusive Church. "Hope is one of the three theological virtues, which invites us to have our minds and hearts on the future," Bishop Pinto said. "The invitation of our Holy Father comes in the context of synod for a synodal church, where we have already begun to journey together."

Rev. Prof. Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi, National Coordinator for Jubilee 2025, delivered a thought-provoking presentation on "Pilgrims of Hope on the Synodal Journey." He explored the profound connection between the synodal process and Jubilee 2025, inspiring participants to embrace a spirit of hope and renewal.

The webinar served as a space for the Diocese of Aurangabad to update on Synod and Jubilee 2025, encouraging active participation in the Jubilee 2025 celebrations. 

Ajmer Diocese Sets Pastoral Pathways

The Diocese of Ajmer recently hosted the CCBI Jubilee Yātra on Friday, 15 November 2024. The event, organized under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Clement Countinho, brought together a diverse group of 128 individuals, including priests, religious, and lay faithful.

The Yātra was marked by a sense of hope and renewal, as participants delved into the teachings of the Second Vatican Council and the CCBI Pastoral Plan Mission 2033. Rev. Prof. Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi, National Coordinator for the Jubilee 2025, guided the sessions, encouraging participants to explore pastoral pathways that would inspire and uplift their communities.

His Excellency Most Rev. Oswald Joseph Lewis, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese, emphasised the significance of the Jubilee 2025 in spreading the message of hope throughout the Diocese. He expressed his belief that each individual would play a crucial role in carrying forward the Jubilee 2025 preparations and celebrations.

His Excellency Most Rev. Ignatius Menezes, Bishop Emeritus of Ajmer, highlighted the Church's enduring presence and support, offering constant companionship through various events and activities.

Rev. Sr. Swapna, a member of the Organizing Team, expressed the collective excitement of the participants, stating, "We are indeed excited to journey together as pilgrims of hope."

The CCBI Jubilee Yātra in Ajmer Diocese was a powerful tool for spiritual renewal and a witness to the Church's commitment to fostering hope and transformation.

Photos courtesy: Diocesan Pastoral Centre

Jaipur Prepares for Jubilee 2025

On 14 November 2024, the Diocese of Jaipur launched its preparations for Jubilee 2025 with an evening of learning and planning at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre. The gathering witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 54 priests, religious, and lay faithful, reflecting the collective commitment to making the Jubilee Year a fruitful and transformative journey.  

The event was graced by the message of His Excellency, Most Rev. Joseph Kallarackal, Bishop of Jaipur, who, in his felicitation letter, shared words of encouragement: "Our Holy Father wants us to embark on a pilgrimage of hope; may the Jubilee Year inspire us to proclaim hope in our parishes and institutions."

Convened by Rev. Fr. Melvin Jobard, Diocesan Contact Person for Jubilee 2025, and coordinated by Rev. Dr. Jijo Varghese, Chancellor, the session aimed to equip participants with insights into the significance of the Jubilee and its themes. Discussions focused on practical strategies for fostering unity, proclaiming hope, and revitalising pastoral activities across the diocese during this special year.  

The participants expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming Jubilee celebrations, resolving to work together in their parishes and communities to embody the spirit of hope and renewal. 

Jubilee 2025 Cross was unveiled at the event, and the CCBI Pastoral Plan 2033, Pontifical Mission Organizations, and Communio were introduced to the participants.

Photos courtesy: Fr. Vishal Madtha

Unveiling of the Jubilee 2025 Cross and Luce Mascot in Madras-Mylapore

Marking the Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore's (Tamil Nadu) preparations for Jubilee 2025, the Jubilee Cross and the Luce Mascot were unveiled during the CCBI Jubilee Yatra, held on Wednesday, 13 November 2024, at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, as part of the clergy recollection. This symbolic event celebrated the beginning of the Archdiocese’s journey toward the Holy Year Jubilee.

Most Rev. Dr. George Antonysamy, Archbishop of Madras-Mylapore, President of the Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council (TNBC), and Vice-President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), delivered the Presidential Address. Reflecting on the recent Synod for a Synodal Church, he said, "Although the Synod has concluded, the process of synodality continues; journeying together, as pilgrims of hope, we walk into the Holy Year Jubilee 2025."

The Jubilee 2025 Cross, crafted by Rev. Dr. Vincent Chinnadurai, Diocesan Contact Person for Jubilee 2025, was unveiled by Archbishop Antonysamy in the presence of Msgr. G. J. Antonysamy, Vicar General. The cross stands as a powerful symbol of faith and unity, setting the tone for the Holy Year’s upcoming celebrations.

The Luce Mascot, representing the Jubilee of Children in the Archdiocese, was then introduced by Rev. Fr. Peter Thumma, Episcopal Vicar, alongside Rev. Fr. Raymond Peter, Secretary of the Commission for Catechetics. The Luce Mascot will play a central role in engaging young members of the Archdiocese, symbolizing the spirit of illumination and guidance on their journey toward the Jubilee.

Rev. Dr. J. Joseph Arockia Jayakumar convened the event, which also included an insightful talk by Rev. Prof. Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi, National Coordinator for Jubilee 2025. In his presentation titled “Jubilee 2025: Context, Preparations, and Celebrations,” he outlined the vision for the Holy Year and shared insights into its importance for the faithful.

As the Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore journeys toward the Holy Year, these symbols and initiatives exemplify the unity and dedication of the faithful in embracing the spirit of Jubilee 2025 with renewed hope, faith, and purpose.

Photos courtesy: Fr. Ritchie Vincent

Diocese of Ootacamund Unfurls Jubilee 2025 Flag

The Diocese of Ootacamund, Tamil Nadu, celebrated an important step toward Jubilee 2025 by raising the Jubilee flag on Tuesday, 12 November 2024. This was part of the CCBI Jubilee Yātra to the diocese, with around 90 priests and religious gathered for a special day of updates on the Synod for a Synodal Church and the upcoming Jubilee.

His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. A. Amalraj, Bishop of Ootacamund, presided over the gathering, extending a warm welcome to the National Team led by Rev. Prof. Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi. In his address, Bishop Amalraj spoke about the significance of the Jubilee, saying, "Jubilee 2025 is an occasion for celebrating God’s grace and mercy, a time for renewal and for deepening our faith as we journey together as a Church."

Msgr. V. Christopher Lawrence, Vicar General, in his introductory address, highlighted the harmonious vision of the CCBI in linking the Synod, Jubilee 2025, and the Pastoral Plan Mission 2033. He said, "The CCBI has beautifully connected these milestones, setting a clear path for our Church to move forward in mission and unity."

The event, coordinated by Rev. Fr. Stephen Lazer, Procurator and Rev. Fr. Felix Jayakumar, Diocesan Contact Person for Jubilee 2025, included moments of reflection, learning, and fellowship, empowering the participants to carry forward the spirit of Jubilee in their respective ministries.

During the event the outline of the Pastoral Plan 2033 was exposed to the gathering. 

The Diocese of Ootacamund’s Jubilee flag is now a symbol of faith and hope, encouraging everyone to join in this spiritual journey as we prepare for Jubilee 2025.

Photos courtesy: Fr. S. Anthony Raj

Celebrating 25 Years of Ecclesia in Asia

Today (6 November), 25 years ago (1999), Pope Saint John Paul II was in New Delhi, India, to sign the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia In Asia on Jesus Christ, The Saviour And His Mission Of Love And Service In Asia: "...That They May Have Life, And Have It Abundantly" (Jn 10:10).

Ecclesia in Asia highlights:

Sharing Jesus with All – Showing Jesus' love and salvation to the people of Asia in ways they understand and cherish.

Interfaith Respect – Building peaceful relationships with people of other faiths, honouring Asia’s diverse spiritual traditions.

 

Blending Faith with Culture – Bringing the Gospel to life in ways that respect and celebrate Asian cultures.

Serving Those in Need – Standing with the poor and vulnerable, being a sign of hope and love for all.

On the occasion of this Silver Jubilee, the Pontifical Mission Organizations India, Pontifical Missionary Union Rome, CCBI Desk for Synod and Jubilee, CCBI Commission for Proclamation, and CCBI Commission for Theology and Doctrine will be organizing a symposium on “Towards a Synodal Church in Asia: Re-Reading Ecclesia in Asia for the Jubilee Year.”

📅 Date: December 13-14, 2024

📍 Venue: St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka

As we journey towards the Jubilee Year, this gathering will explore how Ecclesia in Asia can guide us in fostering a more synodal, inclusive, and vibrant Church across Asia. Let us come together, inspired by this vision, to renew our commitment to living and sharing the Good News with love, humility, and courage!

#EcclesiaInAsia #25Years #SynodalChurch #MissionOfLove #PontificalMissionOrganizations #CCBI

Images courtesy: Getty Images

Meet Luce, the Guiding Light

On 28 October 2024, His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Rino Fisichella, the Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization: Section for Fundamental Questions concerning the Evangelization in the World, "Luce" (= 'Light' in English) the official mascot symbolizing the journey towards the Jubilee 2025!

Representing hope, joy, and unity, Luce is a beacon, inviting us all to walk together in faith and witness to the Light of Christ. 

This vibrant mascot is a reminder that in a world often filled with darkness, we are all called to be lights, shining with love, compassion, and solidarity.  As we journey together towards the Jubilee, may Luce inspire us to deepen our commitment to the Gospel and radiate Christ’s love wherever we go.

Luce has blue hair and wears a yellow rain jacket, which is coloured in reference to the flag of the Vatican City as well as a symbol for "journeying through life's storms". She carries a pilgrim's staff, which represents "the pilgrimage toward eternity", and wears mud-stained boots to represent "a long and difficult journey". Her eyes have highlights in the shape of a scallop shell, a traditional symbol of Catholic pilgrimage, as shells were used in place of a chalice before they were commonplace; her shining eyes were described as "a symbol of the hope of the heart". Luce also wears a rosary around her neck.

Simone Legno, Luce's designer, said that he hoped "Luce can represent the sentiments that resonate in the hearts of the younger generations". 

Let Luce be our guide, bringing people from all walks of life closer to God’s unending grace. 

#Jubilee2025 #Luce #GuidingLight

Text inspired by Wikipedia.

Images courtesy: Forbes

Khammam Priests and Religious Prepare for Jubilee 2025

Muthangi, Hyderabad - November 4, 2024 – In preparation for the Jubilee 2025 celebrations, priests and religious from the Diocese of Khammam (Telangana) gathered at Muthangi as part of their annual retreat to discuss the spiritual and pastoral direction set for this momentous occasion. 

Led by His Excellency, Most Rev. Dr. Prakash Sagili, Bishop of Khammam, the gathering marked a crucial step towards embracing the Jubilee themes of renewal, unity, and synodality.

The session provided an introduction to the Final Document of the Synod for a Synodal Church, along with Jubilee 2025 preparations and celebrations. Speaking to the diocesan assembly, Bishop Sagili noted, “Jubilee 2025 is a time for universal and local renewal.” 

This sentiment was echoed by Rev. Fr. Srikanth Marsakatla. A focal point of the retreat was a planning meeting where Msgr. Showry Thappeta expressed the diocese’s commitment, stating, “The Diocese of Khammam readily implements the proposals.” This strong support paves the way for significant initiatives as part of the Jubilee celebrations.

The CCBI Jubilee 2025 National Team, led by Rev. Prof. Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi as part of Jubilee Yātra, presented an inspiring vision for the decade leading up to 2033. Key highlights included the introduction of the Pastoral Plan 2033, the launch of the Catholic Connect App, and updates on the initiatives of Pontifical Mission Organizations India and Communio. These tools and plans aim to strengthen community engagement and support missionary endeavors within the diocese and beyond.

This event was generously sponsored by Communio, and was coordinated by Rev. Fr. Joaness Gunda, Chancellor of the Diocese and the Diocesan Contact Person for Jubilee 2025. 

The enthusiasm and dedication displayed by the Khammam clergy and religious underscore their readiness to journey together toward Jubilee 2025, heeding the call for a Church that is ever more united, renewed, and responsive to the needs of the faithful.

Photos courtesy: Rev. Fr. Vijay Tudum

Jubilee 2025 Preparations in Shimoga

Jubilee 2025 Preparations in the Diocese of Shimoga Begin with Enthusiasm and Faith

Shimoga, 3 October 2024 – In a significant step towards spiritual renewal and communal preparation for the Holy Year 2025, as many as 85 priests and religious gathered at Sannidhi, the Diocesan Pastoral Centre in Shimoga, to lay the groundwork for the Jubilee celebrations. The event marks a key moment in the Diocese’s journey towards the Jubilee, with clergy and religious uniting in prayer, learning, and reflection.

His Excellency Most Rev. Francis Serrao SJ, Bishop of Shimoga, delivered the keynote address, inspiring the gathering with a call to embrace the year of learning and prayer. "We have come to prepare ourselves for the Holy Year 2025 through a year of learning and praying; let us impart this learning in the hearts of the faithful of our Diocese. May the Holy Year renew our mission," he said, setting the tone for the Jubilee preparations.

The meeting, as part of the CCBI Jubilee Yātra, was animated by Rev. Prof. Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi, National Coordinator for Jubilee 2025, who emphasized the importance of deep reflection on Vatican II and the spiritual path it offers to the faithful today. 

The event was convened by Rev. Dr. Clifford Roshan Pinto, the Diocesan Contact Person for Jubilee 2025, ensuring that the Diocese of Shimoga is well-prepared for the Jubilee celebrations.

Participants expressed their excitement and spiritual enrichment from the session. Sr. Maria Evelyn AC, a member of the Jubilee 2025 committee, shared her thoughts: "I have heard of the Second Vatican Council in my theology classes, but now I understand that it did not merely produce documents, but gave a roadmap for Christian life and mission."

The Diocese of Shimoga looks forward to engaging the faithful in deeper prayer, learning, and preparation in the months leading up to Jubilee 2025, fostering a renewed sense of mission and commitment to the Church’s call.

Photos courtesy: Fr. Clifford Roshan Pinto

VatChat in the Archdiocese of Nagpur

VatChat in the Archdiocese of Nagpur – An Interactive Learning of the Four Constitutions of the Second Vatican Council

Nagpur, 26 September 2024 – The Pastoral Centre of the Archdiocese of Nagpur came alive today with VatChat, a significant event dedicated to the interactive learning of the Four Constitutions of the Second Vatican Council. The gathering brought together over 300 participants, including clergy, men and women religious, lay faithful, seminarians, candidates in formation, and young people.

Presiding over the event, Very Rev. Fr. Antony D’Souza, Vicar General of the Archdiocese, delivered the Presidential Address, stating, "We have come together to open the treasure houses of the Second Vatican Council." His words set the tone for a day of deep reflection and engagement with the pivotal documents of the Council.

In his message to the organizing team, His Grace Most Rev. Elias Gonsalves, Archbishop of Nagpur, highlighted the importance of this initiative in the context of the upcoming Jubilee Year 2025. He remarked, “Jubilee 2025 is an occasion for personal and collective renewal; the learning of the Constitutions of the Second Vatican Council helps us understand how the Church initiated self-renewal.” This message resonated throughout the event, as participants explored how these foundational texts continue to shape the Church’s mission today.

A highlight of the day was the presentations by nine young speakers who vividly studied, analyzed, and brought to life the Four Constitutions—Sacrosanctum Concilium, Lumen Gentium, Dei Verbum, and Gaudium et Spes. These speakers skilfully bridged the gap between the theoretical and practical implications of the documents, drawing insights for contemporary life and ministry.

Rev. Prof. Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi, National Coordinator for Jubilee 2025, commended the young speakers, saying, “The speakers have overcome the contextual, conceptual, and communicative barriers and have presented the kernel of the Constitutions. This learning is the point of arrival, and the point of departure.”

The event was meticulously organized under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Vivian Wilson Lobo, Diocesan Contact Person for the Jubilee. In collaboration with the Pallottine Animation Centre of Nagpur, the program was both insightful and engaging.

Ms. Ancina Santiago of St. Joseph’s School, Kamptee, who won recognition for her presentation, reflected, “The study of Sacrosanctum Concilium was a moment of soul-searching for me.”

Adding a significant moment to the day, the Jubilee 2025 Cross, prepared by the Christian Life Commission of the Archdiocese, was unveiled by the Vicar General. This unveiling coincided with the CCBI Jubilee Yātra, linking the event to broader celebrations of the Jubilee Year across India.

VatChat in Nagpur proved to be a powerful platform for renewing the Church’s understanding of the Second Vatican Council and preparing the faithful for the Jubilee 2025 celebrations, bringing together minds and hearts for the ongoing mission of the Church.

Photos courtesy: Rev. Dr. Vivian Wilson Lobo