Indian Bishops Inaugurate Jubilee Year 2025 with Ceremonial Celebrations Across the Nation

Bangalore, December 30, 2024: Bishops across India officially inaugurated the Jubilee Year 2025 on December 29, celebrating the theme "Pilgrims of Hope" as part of a global event proclaimed by Pope Francis. The inauguration ceremonies took place simultaneously in various dioceses, with local celebrations marking the beginning of a year dedicated to spiritual renewal, hope and unity. 

In Mangalore, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha led the faithful in a procession and a Eucharistic celebration at the Holy Rosary Cathedral, highlighting the transformative power of hope and the significance of love and trust in God’s providence. Similarly, in Chikmagalur, Bishop T. Anthony Swamy presided over the inauguration at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, where a procession carrying the Jubilee Cross united over 2,000 faithful, emphasizing the pilgrimage of faith guided by hope.

The Diocese of Belagavi celebrated the day with a special Mass at Fatima Cathedral, where Bishop Derek Fernandes blessed a Jubilee Cross and announced plans for prayer services throughout the year. In Shimoga, the celebrations included a procession with the Holy Jubilee Cross and the release of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan 2025, which will guide the spiritual initiatives of the year. Meanwhile, Cardinal Anthony Poola of Hyderabad led the faithful in a procession at St. Joseph Cathedral, where the Jubilee Pilgrim Cross was distributed to 12 deaneries, reinforcing the theme of hope and reconciliation.

As the Jubilee Year 2025 begins, bishops across the nation called on Catholics to embrace the year as an opportunity for spiritual growth and active participation in the Church's mission to spread the light of Christ.

By Catholic Connect Reporter