The Archdiocese of Pondicherry-Cuddalore marked a significant milestone in preparation for Jubilee 2025 with the unveiling of the Jubilee Cross during a special clergy-religious recollection held on Wednesday, 18 December 2024, at the historic Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Pondicherry.
His Grace Most Rev. Francis Kalist, Archbishop of Pondicherry-Cuddalore, presided over the event, delivering a timely reflection on the significance of this year's Christmas celebration. "This Christmas is something new. This year it marks the 2025 years of Jesus' nativity. Let us have a spiritual preparation that welcomes His birth into our hearts and transforms us to become 'pilgrims of hope' in our life and ministry," the Archbishop said, inspiring the assembly of clergy and religious gathered for the occasion.
Organized under the stewardship of Rev. Fr. Philomindoss, Financial Administrator and Diocesan Contact Person for Jubilee 2025, and Rev. Fr. Prem Kumar, the event witnessed the active participation of 170 priests and men religious. The clergy-religious recollection highlighted the spiritual preparation needed to embrace the Jubilee theme of Pilgrims of Hope.
Rev. Prof. Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi from the CCBI National Facilitating Team provided an insightful introduction to The Final Document of the Synod, Spes Non Confundit (Hope Does Not Disappoint) and the CCBI Pastoral Plan Mission 2033. The discussions centred on equipping the clergy and religious to guide the faithful in their Jubilee journey toward renewal and hope.
The unveiling of the Jubilee 2025 Cross symbolizes the beginning of a profound spiritual journey for the Archdiocese, calling every believer to deepen their faith and commitment to Christ. The Archdiocese looks forward to a year of grace, joy, and renewal, as the faithful prepare their hearts to celebrate 2025 years of Jesus's nativity and become true ambassadors of hope in the world.