Madras-Mylapore Archdiocese Unveils 2025 Jubilee Cross as Jubilee Yatra Begins

Chennai, November 14, 2024: The Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore inaugurated its unique Jubilee Cross and the Luce Mascot, marking the beginning of its journey toward the Holy Year Jubilee in 2025 on November 13. The event, held at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre in Santhome, Chennai, was part of the clergy's Jubilee Yatra and featured a day of spiritual recollection. Led by Archbishop Dr. George Antonysamy of Madras-Mylapore, the archdiocese gathered in reflection and unity to embrace the call to synodality and prepare for the significant year ahead.

The inauguration ceremony opened with a talk by Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi, National Coordinator for Jubilee 2025, who underscored the spirit of Jubilee as a time for renewal, mission and the shared journey of faith. His address highlighted the alignment of the Jubilee with the Synod on Synodality, a global call for the Church to walk in unity with clergy, religious and laity alike.

As a symbol of this unity, Archbishop Antonysamy unveiled the specially crafted Jubilee Cross, designed by Rev. Dr. Vincent Chinnadurai, rector of the National Shrine of Saint Thomas Cathedral Basilica. The cross incorporates the Thomas Cross, reflecting the martyrdom of St. Thomas and Christ depicted as prophet, priest and king- representing the mission of faith shared by all. The anchor of hope, echoing the official Jubilee 2025 theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” serves as a reminder of the steadfast journey of faith for the Archdiocese.

Adding to the celebrations, the Luce Mascot was introduced by Rev. Fr. Peter Thumma and Rev. Fr. Raymond Peter to symbolize the role of children in the Jubilee, with plans to engage young faithful in the journey toward 2025. Archbishop Antonysamy, in his Presidential Address, reflected on the recent Synod for a Synodal Church, affirming, “Although the Synod has concluded, the process of synodality continues; journeying together, as pilgrims of hope, we walk into the Holy Year Jubilee 2025.”

The event, convened by Rev. Dr. Joseph Jayakumar, marked a milestone in the archdiocese’s Jubilee preparations, setting a tone of faith, hope and unity as the community anticipates a year dedicated to spiritual growth and renewal. As they advance toward 2025, the faithful of Madras-Mylapore carry with them the symbols of their heritage, united in the spirit of synodality and committed to the mission of the Gospel.

By Fr. Ritchie Vincent