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