Council of Bishops of Madhya Pradesh Marks Regional Jubilee Celebration

Madhya Pradesh, December 6, 2025: Council of Bishops of Madhya Pradesh (CBMP) marked the Regional Jubilee Celebration 2025 on 3 December, aligning with the global Holy Year proclaimed by Pope Francis. Rooted in the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” the event sought to rekindle missionary zeal, inspire pastoral renewal, and reinforce ecclesial fellowship across the region.

To ensure broad participation, every diocese was invited to send a 10-member delegation representing priests, religious, lay men and women, and youth. This diverse composition enriched the gathering with varied experiences and missionary perspectives. The programme was jointly facilitated by the Regional Commission for Proclamation, the Pontifical Mission Organisation, Communio India, and Navdeep Communications, demonstrating a collaborative commitment to evangelisation, communication, and Jubilee formation.

The day opened with a solemn prayer invoking the Holy Spirit, setting a contemplative tone for the proceedings. Participants also paid floral tribute to victims of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. Fr. Raju then welcomed bishops, clergy, religious, and lay delegates, emphasising the Jubilee as a moment of encounter, renewal, and missionary recommitment. He acknowledged the joint efforts of the organising bodies in bringing the celebration to fruition.

Archbishop Durairaj SVD delivered the keynote address on “Pilgrims of Hope,” tracing its historical, biblical, and pastoral significance. His reflection provided a foundation for the day’s discussions. Bishop Augustine, Chairman of the Regional Proclamation Commission, highlighted the Jubilee as a grace-filled opportunity for renewal, stressing synodality, strengthened interdiocesan bonds, reconciliation, and pastoral creativity. His message underlined the spirit of fellowship captured in the event’s title, “Pilgrims of Fellowship & Renewal.”

Fr. Raju led a session on Evangelii Nuntiandi, Pope Paul VI’s seminal text on evangelisation. He underscored its enduring relevance, the Church’s identity as evangelising, the role of personal witness, the empowerment of the laity, and the challenges posed by secularism and digital culture. He urged dioceses to revisit the document as they prepare for Jubilee 2025.

Bishop Thomas offered practical guidance on missionary discipleship, while Bishop Kharadi encouraged participants to embody hope and prophetic witness amid societal challenges.

A significant highlight was Fr. Alfred’s session on digital evangelisation. He addressed the dynamics of the digital world, the opportunities and risks of social media, ethical online engagement, and the importance of creative, Gospel-rooted storytelling. He also shared practical tools for diocesan and parish media teams, equipping them for Jubilee outreach.

The Eucharistic celebration formed the spiritual centre of the gathering, offering thanksgiving and invoking blessings for diocesan communities. A fellowship meal followed, strengthening personal and pastoral ties.

Delegates later joined group discussions on living as Pilgrims of Hope, parish missionary outreach, family and youth evangelisation, digital ministry, and Jubilee initiatives for communion and service. Key themes included consistent faith formation, strengthening Small Christian Communities, youth-led media initiatives, interdiocesan collaboration, family prayer, Scripture reading, and ecological responsibility. Moderators Bishop Augustine and Bishop Thomas Mathew consolidated the insights into an action plan for diocesan implementation.

The celebration concluded with an anointing prayer for renewal and mission. Fr. Raju expressed gratitude to organisers, partners, volunteers, and participants. The event closed with Pope Leo’s resonant call: “Let us have the courage to walk forward together.”

Council of Bishops of Madhya Pradesh Marks Regional Jubilee Celebration

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