Welcoming the New National Coordinator: A Grace-filled Gathering of Diocesan Jubilee 2025 Coordinators
The Diocesan Coordinators for Jubilee 2025 came together for a meaningful online gathering on Tuesday, 22 July '25, to extend a warm and fraternal welcome to the newly appointed National Coordinator, Rev. Fr. R. Antonysamy of the Diocese of Indore. This moment marked not just a transition in leadership, but also a reaffirmation of shared commitment to the spirit and vision of Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope.
The meeting began with the sharing of vibrant and inspiring testimonies from the dioceses. Coordinators highlighted a variety of creative and pastoral initiatives taking place in their local churches:
Customized Jubilee calendars have helped to rhythmically structure the year’s celebrations.
Programs for children, young people, and the marginalized reflect the inclusive spirit of the Jubilee.
Faith formation and developmental activities continue to be at the heart of the Jubilee mission, renewing communities and deepening discipleship.
At the national level, three significant initiatives were discussed and celebrated:
Jubilee Yātra to the dioceses, a symbolic and pastoral journey that connects the faithful across the country;
Dissemination of the Final Document of the Synod for a Synodal Church, helping dioceses to internalise and act upon its pastoral implications;
Coordination of Jubilee 'L' Visa processes for pilgrims journeying to Rome, an important service that enables the faithful to participate in the universal celebrations.
Rev. Prof. Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi, the outgoing National Coordinator, offered words of gratitude to the Diocesan Coordinators for their collaboration over the past years. In a spirit of continuity and creativity, he introduced a new project under the Jubilee 2025 banner: the documentation of the histories of missionaries to India, honouring them as “Pilgrims of Hope.” This historical initiative aims to preserve and celebrate the legacy of those who sowed the seeds of faith across the Indian subcontinent. The work will be coordinated through the Diocesan Contact Persons for Jubilee 2025.
Fr. Karunanidhi also presented the rite for concluding the Jubilee 2025 in local churches (p. 105 in Alathara-Karunanidhi, 'Pilgrims of Hope on the Synodal Journey: A Handbook on Jubilee 2025 Preparations and Celebrations), a moment that will draw together the graces of the Jubilee year. He also highlighted the upcoming Jubilee of the Diocesan Synodal Teams in Rome on2 24 to 26 October 2025, a global expression of synodal communion.
Fr. R. Antonysamy, in his concluding remarks, expressed gratitude for the welcome and committed himself to continue the journey with joy, dedication, and synodal spirit. The meeting ended with a prayerful note, entrusting the ongoing Jubilee celebrations to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
As a collective body, we expressed heartfelt thanks to the CCBI Office-bearers for their constant support and guidance. Special appreciation was extended to PMO India and Communio for their generous sponsorship of the national animation programs and the Jubilee Yātra to the dioceses.
This gathering stood as a witness to the living Church in India—joyful in hope, united in mission, and deeply rooted in communion. May our journey ahead continue to bear fruits of renewal, reconciliation, and restoration.
Photo courtesy: Fr. Vignan Das Gangula