CCBI Launches Handbook and Guidelines to Prepare for Jubilee 2025

Bangalore, September 11, 2024: As the Catholic Church worldwide prepares for the Jubilee Year 2025, the Latin Catholic Church in India took a significant step forward by releasing a special handbook titled Pilgrims of Hope on the Synodal Pathway. This initiative, part of a broader effort to guide the faithful through the Jubilee Year was officially launched by Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, the President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI).

The newly released handbook, presented by Cardinal Ferrão, serves as a comprehensive resource for clergy, religious, and laity, providing guidelines on how to actively participate in the Jubilee. With a focus on themes such as hope, faith, and unity, the book outlines various ways to engage with the Jubilee celebrations, from organizing local pilgrimages to participating in global events. 

During the launch, Fr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary-General of the CCBI, highlighted the handbook's significance. He emphasized that the Jubilee Year is a unique time for the Church to reflect, renew, and rejoice in its mission, drawing closer to God and each other. The handbook, he noted, is a valuable tool for parishes, dioceses, and other Church institutions to plan and prepare their own Jubilee events in line with the Vatican's vision.

In addition to the handbook, Cardinal Ferrão also released special Jubilee 2025 bookmarks to commemorate this significant occasion. These bookmarks are designed to remind the faithful of the Jubilee's core messages—renewal, reconciliation, and hope. Featuring scripture verses and prayers, the bookmarks can be used to keep the spirit of the Jubilee alive in daily life.

The launch of these resources by Cardinal Ferrão marks an important moment for the Church in India as it prepares to join the global Catholic community in Jubilee 2025. The Jubilee, under the theme "Pilgrims of Hope," aims to be a time of spiritual revival and a renewed commitment to the Gospel.

By Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi