Presided over by His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore and Vice-President of the CCBI, the event focused on preparing the Church in India to spiritually engage with the upcoming Jubilee Year through meaningful pilgrimages.
In his presidential address, Archbishop Peter Machado said, “A pilgrimage to the Holy Land is a return to the heart of our faith. In this Jubilee journey, we are called not only to see the sacred sites but to be transformed by the spiritual roots of our Christian identity.”
The Guest of Honour, Honourable Inbal Ston, Deputy Consul General of Israel in Bengaluru, lauded the initiative and emphasized the shared spiritual ties between India and Israel. She enumerated different types of visas and the procedures to obtain them.
Rev. Prof. Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi, National Coordinator for Jubilee 2025, welcomed the dignitaries and participants with heartfelt words. He remarked, “The present seminar is an act of Tikkun Olam (Hebrew: תיקון עולם), a Jewish concept that means ‘to better the world.’ May what we do today, better the world for faith, hope, and love.”
The event was graced by His Excellency Rt. Rev. Joseph Susainathan, Auxiliary Bishop of Bangalore.
Ms. Amruta Bangera, Director of the Israel Ministry of Tourism, India (Mumbai), presented the various programs and facilities available for Indian pilgrims. She stated, “We are committed to offering seamless, safe, and spiritually enriching experiences to every pilgrim. The Holy Land is open to all who seek the divine.”
Mr. George Devassy, Founder CEO of Magi Holidays, shared insights from years of pilgrimage organization, affirming that “every journey to the Holy Land is a personal gospel encounter, an opportunity to walk where Jesus walked.”
The seminar witnessed the participation of honourable major superiors, vicars forane, and representatives of various Christian Churches. The dialogue fostered mutual learning, inter-church cooperation, and a deeper appreciation of the Holy Land as a spiritual and pastoral resource for the Church in India.
As part of the CCBI’s preparations for Jubilee 2025 'Pilgrims of Hope,' this initiative stands as a sign of hope and unity, reaffirming the role of pilgrimage in the Church’s mission of evangelization and renewal.
Our gratitude to Rev. Dr. Cyril Victor Joseph, Director of Paalanaa Bhavana and Director of CCBI Media Apostolate for the organisational assistance.
Photos courtesy: Mr. Noel, Ave Studios, Bangalore Archdiocese