Indian Jubilarian Priests Embark on a Grace-Filled Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

Amman, Jordan 12 October 2025: Twenty-four jubilarian priests from dioceses across India are on a spiritual pilgrimage to the Holy Land, marking a journey of renewal, thanksgiving, and deepened commitment to their priestly vocation. The pilgrimage, organised by the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) through its Commission for Vocation, Seminaries, Clergy and Religious (VSCR), is taking place from 11 to 21 October 2025.

The programme began with a seven-day annual retreat, held in Bangalore from 3 to 10 October, and preached by Fr. Lawrence, OFM Cap, Definitor General of the Capuchin Order. The retreat invited the priests to reflect on their call to priesthood, their pastoral mission, and their relationship with Christ, setting a spiritual tone for the journey ahead.

The pilgrimage began at Mount Nebo in Jordan, the place where Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death. At Mount Nebo, Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI and a member of the pilgrimage group, celebrated the Holy Mass. In his homily, he reminded the priests of their mission to be like Moses, guiding God’s people toward the heavenly kingdom with faith and perseverance.

The group is visiting the sacred sites of Nazareth, Bethlehem, Galilee, Jerusalem, and Mount Tabor, retracing the footsteps of Jesus and renewing their commitment to serve God’s people with zeal and humility. Each site offers moments of prayer, reflection, and fraternity, helping them rediscover the joy and grace of priestly life.

This year’s pilgrimage holds special meaning as it coincides with the Jubilee Year 2025, a time of grace, forgiveness, and renewal for the universal Church. The participating priests, who are celebrating their Silver, Ruby, and Golden jubilees, see this pilgrimage as an offering of gratitude for God’s enduring love and faithfulness throughout their years of ministry.

The VSCR Commission of the CCBI regularly organises renewal programmes for clergy to foster spiritual growth and pastoral effectiveness. This pilgrimage reflects the Commission’s vision of helping priests remain rooted in prayer and communion, especially amid the challenges of contemporary ministry.

A highlight of the journey will be the Eucharistic celebration at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, where the priests will renew their priestly promises and consecrate themselves to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, expressing gratitude for their vocation and recommitting themselves to the service of Christ and His Church.

The pilgrimage will conclude on 21 October 2025 with Holy Mass at Abu Serga, the house of the Holy Family in Cairo, Egypt, symbolising faith, mission, and continuity. The group is being led by Rev. Dr. Charles Leon, Executive Secretary of the CCBI Commission for VSCR, and Jevin Fernando, who are coordinating the pilgrimage across the Holy Land.

By Catholic Connect Reporter