St. Peter’s Golden Jubilee Culminates in Thanksgiving, Tributes, and Fellowship in Bangalore

Bengaluru, September 19, 2025 – The Golden Jubilee of St. Peter’s Pontifical Institute reached its solemn and graceful conclusion on September 19, with a day that combined prayerful thanksgiving, moving tributes, and cultural expression. The three-day commemoration, held from September 17 to 19, proved to be a deeply enriching occasion marked by academic reflection, liturgical solemnity, and joyful fraternity.

The Holy Eucharist was presided over by Prof. Dr Lucien Legrand MEP, renowned biblical scholar and missionary of the Paris Foreign Missions Society. Having taught Sacred Scripture at St. Peter’s for more than five decades, he is also a former member of the Pontifical Biblical Commission and author of several acclaimed works on mission and biblical theology. In a moment of deep gratitude, he was felicitated for completing seventy remarkable years of teaching ministry at the Institute. 

Felicitation addresses were offered by Bishop Emeritus Susaimanickam of Sivagangai, Bishop Lawrence Pius of Dharmapuri, and Bishop Arulselvam Rayappan of Salem, each highlighting his enduring contribution to theological scholarship and formation.

During the Golden Jubilee, the Institute welcomed several eminent dignitaries, among them His Eminence Philip Neri Cardinal Ferrão, President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India, and Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore, Vice President of the CCBI. The academic dimension of the event was marked by insightful reflections on the Holy Spirit in the Bible, the Holy Spirit in the Early Fathers, the Spirit’s work across cultures and societies, and the Spirit’s presence for our times. Group discussions on these themes encouraged participants to think deeply and engage in dialogue for the growth and renewal of the Catholic community. The coordinators of the Jubilee did a remarkable and hospitable work in ensuring that the gathering was not just outwardly grand but also an inward call to transformation, equipping participants to carry the Gospel into today’s world.

Across the three days, the Jubilee featured a variety of cultural programmes, including dance performances, which added vibrancy and richness to the proceedings. More importantly, it brought together alumni from across generations, standing as a testament to the many students who have gone forth from the Institute to serve as pastors, educators, missionaries, and leaders in diverse contexts. The Golden Jubilee thus not only honoured fifty years of theological service and formation but also reaffirmed the Institute’s enduring mission in shaping the future of the Church.

By Catholic Connect Reporter