The Diocese of Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, embarked on a transformative journey with the Jubilee Yātra held on February 15, 2024, to mark the commencement of Jubilee A.D. 2025 of the Universal Church. Led by Msgr. L. Sahayaraj, the Diocesan Administrator, the event served as a forum to prepare for and participate in the upcoming Jubilee celebrations.
In his inaugural address, Msgr. L. Sahayaraj articulated a vision of collective engagement and participation in the Jubilee 2025 preparations. He called upon parish communities to become active agents of change, initiating Jubilee-centered activities and fostering a spirit of pilgrimage and hope as they journey together on the synodal path.
The Jubilee Yatra provided a platform for reflection, prayer, and dialogue, inviting clergy, religious, and lay faithful to discern the themes and priorities of Jubilee A.D. 2025. Through interactive sessions participants were encouraged to explore ways to deepen their faith, foster unity, and promote solidarity within their communities.
Looking ahead, the Diocese of Thanjavur stands poised to embrace the opportunities and challenges of Jubilee A.D. 2025 with faith, courage, and hope. As pilgrims of hope on the synodal journey, the faithful are called to journey together in solidarity, prayer, and service, bearing witness to the transformative power of God's love.
The sessions on the Synod, the Jubilee 2025, and Second Vatican Council were animated by Rev. Prof. Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi, the National Coordinator for the Jubilee 2025. The event was organised by Rev. Dr. John Zacharias, Chancellor, and Rev. Dr. D. John Kennedy, Director of the Pastoral Centre.
The participants identified the personal and ministerial goals in the light of the Four Constitutions of the Second Vatican Council through the method of Spiritual Conversation (Conversation in the Spirit), as has been proposed by the Synod General Secretariat, Rome.