Diocese of Shimoga Inaugurates Jubilee Year 2025 with Grand Celebration

Shimoga, December 30, 2024: The Diocese of Shimoga officially inaugurated the Jubilee Year 2025 on December 29 with a grand celebration at St. Thomas CSI Church, located near Shivappa Naik Circle, Shimoga City. The event was presided over by Bishop Francis Serrao of Shimoga and witnessed a large turnout of lay faithful, priests and women religious.

The day began with Fr. Santhosh Almeida leading the Mercy Rosary, followed by the inaugural rite. Fr. Santhosh Pereira delivered a reflection on the Holy Jubilee Cross after the gospel reading. A procession, with the Holy Jubilee Cross carried on a beautifully decorated chariot, proceeded for about a kilometer through the city, en route to Sacred Heart Cathedral. The procession, accompanied by a musical band, vibrant umbrellas and altar servers, added to the devotional atmosphere of the event.

Upon reaching the Cathedral, a Solemn Eucharist was celebrated with the clergy adorned in special Jubilee vestments. The Holy Jubilee Cross was placed prominently in the Sanctuary, and holy water was blessed and sprinkled on the faithful. The event culminated in the release of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan 2025 and the Regional Pastoral Plan, prepared by Fr. Simon Pinto. Fr. Clifford Roshan Pinto, Convener of the Jubilee Year Committee, concluded the event with a vote of thanks. The celebration was marked by the participation of 40 priests, 40 women religious, and a large crowd of devoted lay faithful.

By Catholic Connect Reporter