- 07 March, 2025
VASAI, March 5, 2025: The Mini Jubilee Crosses for each parish and center in the Diocese of Vasai were blessed by Bishop Thomas D’Souza on Tuesday, March 4, at St. Francis Xavier Church, Girij, bringing a moment of grace and hope for the faithful. The solemn blessing guided the community in their spiritual preparation for Ash Wednesday.
The Jubilee Cross, symbolising both the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, serves as a beacon of hope amidst the trials of the modern world.
The diocese encouraged its faithful to organise the Mini Jubilee Cross in various ways throughout the Season of Lent:
- Taking the Cross around different areas, zones, shejols, or padas within the parish communities.
- Carrying the Cross for area-wise or shejol-wise Stations of the Cross, followed by a short pilgrimage to hand it over to the next area or zone.
- Inviting parishioners to visit the Cross in the church or designated locations in groups or individually, particularly in the evenings from 7 to 9 p.m., to spend time in silent prayer.
- Observing a day of fasting and penance for the intentions of the parish communities, culminating in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
In addition to this, a replica of the Diocesan Jubilee Cross has also been made available at Atmashodh Darshan Kendra, a Retreat & Training Centre of the Diocese, for parishes to borrow the replica of the Diocesan Jubilee Crosses for a week or longer, depending on their needs and convenience.
The Bishop appealed each Parish to take the same to their Parishes in a mini or large procession (either by walking pilgrimage or in a decorative tempo accompanied by a group of Faithful) any time from now or later during this Jubilee Year.
The diocese emphasised that these activities would not only deepen the spiritual experience of the Jubilee Year but also provide an opportunity for local pilgrimages, especially for those unable to travel to distant pilgrimage sites.
By Fr. Robert Joseph Gonsalves
© 2025 CATHOLIC CONNECT POWERED BY ATCONLINE LLP
