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