Jubilee Cup Tournament 2025 Unites Priests of Belgaum Diocese in Sport and Fraternity

Belgaum, March 1, 2025: The Commission for Vocation and Formation—Priests and Religious and the Jubilee Committee of the Diocese of Belgaum organised the Jubilee Cup Tournament 2025 at St. Michael’s Minor Seminary Campus in Machhe on February 24, 2025. The event brought together priests from various deaneries of the diocese for a day of sports and fraternity. The tournament ran from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM and featured competitions in carrom, table tennis, a Deanery-wise cricket tournament, and engaging spot games. The event aimed to strengthen unity among the clergy from the diocese through friendly competition and recreation.

The tournament began with a formal inauguration ceremony presided over by Most Rev. Derek Fernandes, Bishop of Belgaum. After a rendition of the Jubilee Anthem, a prayer service led by Msgr. Philip Kutty Joseph invoked blessings for the success of the event. In his keynote address, Bishop Fernandes emphasised the importance of fraternity and togetherness among priests, underscoring how such events reinforce unity in their mission.

Following the inauguration ceremony, the sports competitions commenced with great enthusiasm. Participants of the carrom (Singles & Doubles) events showcased remarkable strategic play, with Fr. Pramodh Kumar winning the singles competition and Fr. Lourduswamy and Fr. Rakesh from Chikodi Deanery claiming the doubles title. The table tennis tournament was equally competitive, with Fr. Stanley D’Souza securing victory in the singles event and teaming up with Fr. Freddy Raj of Belgaum Deanery to win the doubles championship.

The cricket tournament, a highlight of the day, saw deanery teams battling fiercely. The final match between Belgaum and Chikodi Deaneries was particularly intense, keeping the audience engaged until the last ball. Ultimately, Belgaum Deanery emerged as the tournament champions, showcasing exceptional teamwork and sportsmanship.Adding to the entertainment, various spot games such as "Rolling the Dough into a Chapati," "Finding the Hymn Number," and "Adding a List of 51 Numbers" engaged participants in light-hearted competition, bringing additional joy to the gathering.

The event concluded in the evening with a closing ceremony, during which Bishop Fernandes felicitated the winners of the various competitions and praised the organisers for their dedication. He highlighted the significance of fraternity among clergy and also fondly remembered Fr. Sushant Mantri, who had previously provided commentary for the tournament but later succumbed to COVID-19.

The hospitality for the event was commendable, with staff and seminarians from St. Michael’s Seminary, along with staff and students of St. Joseph’s College of Catering and Hotel Management, Santibastwad, ensuring warm hospitality and delicious refreshments throughout the day.

The Jubilee Cup Tournament 2025 successfully provided a platform for camaraderie, healthy competition, and rejuvenation, reinforcing the spirit of unity among priests from the diocese of Belgaum. The event was lauded as a resounding success, thanks to the dedication of the organising team, volunteers, and participants.

By Rev. Fr. Alwin Christopher George,

Secretary of the Commission for Social Communication,

Diocese of Belgaum