St. Joseph Church, Umralla in Vasai Designated Pilgrim Centre for Year of St. Francis

Vasai, June 7, 2026: St. Joseph Church, Umralla, was formally inaugurated as a Pilgrim Centre for the Year of St. Francis during a solemn and joy-filled celebration on June 7, marking a significant spiritual milestone for the Diocese of Vasai.

The event drew clergy, religious and lay faithful from across the diocese as they gathered to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi and to launch a year dedicated to pilgrimage, prayer and spiritual renewal.

The Year of St. Francis, proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV from January 10, 2026, to January 10, 2027, commemorates eight centuries since the saint’s passing into eternal life. Through the jubilee observance, the Holy Father has invited Catholics worldwide to rediscover the life and witness of the Saint of Assisi and to become instruments of peace, holiness and fraternity in contemporary society. The Apostolic Penitentiary has also granted a Plenary Indulgence, under the usual conditions, to the faithful who participate devoutly in the celebrations of this extraordinary jubilee year.

Recognising its Franciscan heritage and spiritual importance, the Diocese of Vasai designated St. Joseph Church, Umralla, as a Pilgrim Centre for the special year. The church is expected to welcome pilgrims from across the region who seek to deepen their faith and draw inspiration from Franciscan values of humility, simplicity, service, fraternity and peace.

The celebrations began at the Portiuncula Clergy Home, where Bishop Thomas D’Souza led the faithful in prayer before a grand procession to the church. Accompanied by a band, flower girls, priests, religious and parishioners, a beautifully adorned statue of St. Francis was carried through the streets amid hymns and prayers.

The procession reflected the essence of Franciscan spirituality, marked by simplicity, unity and joyful faith. Young and old, clergy and laity walked together, offering a visible witness to the Franciscan vision of fraternity and communion.

Upon reaching the church, Bishop D’Souza solemnly opened its doors, symbolically inviting the faithful to enter as “pilgrims of hope.” The gesture marked the official inauguration of St. Joseph Church as a Pilgrim Centre and signalled the beginning of a year-long journey of prayer, conversion and spiritual renewal.

During the liturgical service, the congregation reflected on the significance of the 800th anniversary of St. Francis and his enduring legacy. The faithful were reminded of the saint’s radical commitment to the Gospel, his love for the poor, care for creation and unwavering trust in God’s providence.

The Holy Eucharist was celebrated by Bishop D’Souza, concelebrated by numerous priests from different parts of the diocese. Among those present was Fr. Brian Bandya, OFM Cap., Provincial, whose participation highlighted the importance of the occasion for the Franciscan family and the local Church.

Throughout the Eucharistic celebration, the faithful were encouraged to embrace the values that defined the life of St. Francis. In a world often marked by division, anxiety and materialism, his example remains a powerful reminder that true joy is found in humility, simplicity and a deep relationship with God.

The celebrations concluded in an atmosphere of thanksgiving and fellowship as parishioners and guests shared in the joy of the historic occasion. More than the inauguration of a pilgrim centre, the event served as a reaffirmation of the parish’s commitment to promoting and living the Franciscan spirit.

As St. Joseph Church, Umralla, begins its mission as a designated Pilgrim Centre, it opens its doors to all who seek prayer, reflection and a deeper encounter with Christ. The inauguration marks a moment of grace for the Diocese of Vasai and offers the faithful an opportunity to embark on a journey of spiritual renewal inspired by the timeless Franciscan ideals of peace, humility, fraternity and love.

By Fr. Suresh Mathew