Jubilee Yātra in the Archdiocese of Goa-Daman

The Archdiocese of Goa-Daman marked a momentous step in its spiritual journey by hosting the Jubilee Yātra of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India, aligning with the Church's preparation for Jubilee 2025 and the celebration of the Sunday of the Word. The event, held on 23 January 2025 at Pius X Pastoral Centre, Old Goa, brought together 140 participants, including priests, religious, and lay faithful, in a spirit of renewal and hope.

Welcoming the participants and setting the tone for the day, His Excellency Most Rev. Simião Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop and Convenor of the Program, shared an inspiring vision: "It is not a journey on foot but a pilgrimage of the heart; it is not a physical journey, but a spiritual voyage that seeks to connect the believers across the country in a shared pursuit of hope. Renewal, reflection, and consciousness are the milestones of the journey."

In his presidential address, His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa-Daman, emphasized the importance of building ecclesial connect. He stated, "We need to make an ecclesial connect between the Synod for a Synodal Church 2021-2024 and Jubilee 2025. We journey together as pilgrims of hope."

The program was further enriched by Fr. Enoch Macwan, a member of the CCBI National Facilitating Team for Jubilee 2025, who animated the session and introduced the participants to the scope of Jubilee Yātra. He outlined the opportunities presented by Jubilee 2025, encouraging a deep engagement with the themes of hope, renewal, and unity.

A special moment of the gathering was the veneration of the Word of God as the source of hope, emphasizing its central role in the spiritual lives of the faithful.

The Goa-Daman is the 63rd Diocese to host the CCBI Jubilee Yātra, an initiative of the CCBI National Facilitating Team for Jubilee 2025 to take the fruits of synodal discussions to the local churches and to engage them in Jubilee 2025 preparations and celebrations. 

Photos courtesy: Media team, Archdiocese of Goa-Daman

Living the Word: Celebrating 60 Years of Dei Verbum

Vailankanni, Tamil Nadu, 21-23 January 2025. The 22nd National Conference of the CCBI Commission for Bible, held at Vailankanni, Tamil Nadu, brought together 210 participants, including Regional Secretaries, Diocesan Directors, Religious Collaborators, Seminary Professors, Catechists, and Lay Bible Volunteers. Themed “Sixty Years of Dei Verbum: Its Significance for Us Today in India, Towards the CCBI Pastoral Plan Mission 2033”, the three-day Bible Congress marked a significant milestone in preparation for the Jubilee Year 2025.

Presidential Address & Book Release

His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Antonysamy Peter Abir, Chairman of the CCBI Commission for Bible, set the tone for the Congress with his stirring presidential address. He emphasized, “This Bible Congress is an invitation to reflect, celebrate, and act. As we journey together as ‘Pilgrims of Hope,’ let us foster a deeper love for the Word of God among the faithful, equip one another with insights and tools for effective biblical ministry, and strengthen our unity as a Church preparing for Jubilee 2025.” 

The Chairman released the handbook "Biblical Pastoral Ministry: Methods and Dynamics," co-authored by Prof. Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi. The book was released in the presence of Prof. Dr. Lucien Legrand MEP, Fr. Jan Stefanów SVD, Secretary General of the Catholic Biblical Federation, and Very Rev. Fr. C. Irudayaraj, Rector of the Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, Vailankanni.

Felicitations from Eminent Leaders

His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India, extended his felicitations to the delegates, highlighting the enduring relevance of Dei Verbum. “This Congress,” he said, “reflecting on the enduring relevance of Dei Verbum, is a call to renew our commitment to being a Church that listens to the Word, interprets it faithfully, and lives it radically.”

His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Ambrose Pitchaimuthu, National Director of PMS - India, commended the National Council of the CCBI Commission for Bible for their vision and dedication. In his address, he reflected, “The Congress, which also serves as a follow-up to the International Symposium on Ecclesia in Asia 25 Years, shall inspire us to move from Dei Verbum to Ecclesia in Asia and to Spes Non Confundit.”

Engaging Sessions and Insights

The Congress featured a keynote address, thought-provoking presentations, and panel discussions by eminent biblical scholars and ministers of the Word. Delegates explored the transformative role of Dei Verbum in the Church’s life and mission, focusing on the theme's contemporary significance in India.

Towards Mission 2033

This gathering marked an important moment in the journey towards the CCBI Pastoral Plan Mission 2033, uniting participants in their shared mission to nurture a vibrant and biblically rooted Church. Discussions aimed at equipping leaders with practical tools for biblical ministry and fostering a culture of listening, interpretation, and radical living of the Word of God.

As the Congress has begun, participants feel inspired to carry forward the rich insights and commitments, ready to deepen their engagement with Scripture and contribute to the broader mission of the Church in India. The event stands as a witness to the Church’s ongoing dedication to the Word of God as it journeys toward the Jubilee 2025 and beyond.

The event was planned and organized by the National Council along with the Regional Secretaries, and was powered by MEP, Pontifical Mission Organizations - India, and Communio.

Photos courtesy: Fr. Vijayaraj Jaunet

Balasore Diocese Inaugurates Jubilee 2025 Celebrations

The Diocese of Balasore (Odisha) inaugurated Jubilee 2025 celebrations on Monday, 6 January 2025, with a meaningful day of reflection at the diocesan headquarters. This gathering, attended by 120 priests, religious, and lay faithful, marked a spiritual beginning for a year focused on hope, renewal, and service.

Welcoming the assembly, Most Rev. Varghese Thottamkara CM, Bishop of Balasore, reminded everyone of the transformative call of this special year, saying, “Jubilee 2025 invites us to be messengers of hope in our life and ministry.”

The day’s reflections were skilfully led by Fr. Enoch Macwan, a member of the National Facilitating Extended Team. Participants engaged in interactive sessions, discussing how to live out the spirit of Jubilee in their communities.

Sharing her thoughts on the gathering, Sr. Mary Thresia, a religious sister from the diocese, expressed, “The Jubilee invites us to rediscover our commitment to serving others. This day’s reflections have stirred my heart and renewed my passion for our shared mission.”

Echoing this sentiment, Mr. James Francis, a lay leader, remarked, “I feel energized and supported by everyone here. This Jubilee is our moment to work together more closely, sharing hope and light with our families and neighbors.”

With the official inauguration of Jubilee 2025, the faithful of Balasore depart with renewed purpose, prepared to carry out the Church’s mission of hope and unity in the coming year.

The event was convened by Msgr. V. L. Chacko, Vicar General, and Fr. Joseph Marndi, Diocesan Director for Biblical Apostolate.

Photos courtesy: Diocesan Media Team