Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru/Udupi
Mangaluru/Udupi, Dec 29: The dioceses of Mangalore and Udupi inaugurated the Jubilee Year 2025, marking 2025 years since the birth of Jesus Christ, with solemn ceremonies held on December 29. The year has been declared the Ordinary Jubilee Year by Pope Francis, focusing on hope, spiritual renewal, and transformation.
Mangalore Diocese: Year of hope
In the Diocese of Mangalore, the inauguration coincided with the Solemnity of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Most Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangalore, led the ceremony at the Rosario Cathedral. The event commenced with a procession of the Holy Cross from St Anne Chapel, followed by the blessing of the baptismal pond, renewal of baptismal promises, and sprinkling of holy water. The Holy Eucharist at 8 am, concelebrated by several priests, marked the peak of the inauguration.
In his homily, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha elaborated on the theme of the Jubilee Year, "Hope doesn’t disappoint us." He urged the faithful to become "people of hope" amidst the despair prevalent in the world, emphasizing love as the foundation of hope. “Hope begins with love. Only through love can we truly hope,” he stated, while also highlighting the roles of Mary and St Joseph as exemplars of hope.
The bishop encouraged pilgrimages to eight designated holy sites within the diocese to obtain indulgences and deepen spiritual renewal. These sites include:
- Rosario Cathedral, Mangalore
- St Lawrence Shrine, Bondel
- Our Lady of Pompei Shrine, Urwa
- St Anthony Ashram, Jeppu
- St Joseph Vaz Shrine, Mudipu
- St Jude Shrine, Pakshikere
- Infant Jesus Church, Bantwal
- Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Bela, Kasaragod
The liturgy was coordinated by Rev Dr Vincent Sequeira, Rev Fr Alfred J Pinto, and Rev Dr Joseph Martis. The procession of the Jubilee Cross was led by Fr Ashwin Cardoza, Fr Rupesh Madtha, and Fr Trishan D’Souza. Several clergy, including vicar general Msgr Maxim Noronha, judicial vicar Fr Naveen Pinto, and dean of the episcopal city deanery Fr Bonaventure Nazareth, participated in the ceremony.
Udupi Diocese: A year of spiritual celebration
The Diocese of Udupi began its Jubilee celebrations at the Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur, with the opening of the Holy Door. Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo led the ceremony, which was followed by the Holy Eucharist. In his message, Bishop Lobo explained the Jubilee’s focus on five key aspects: remembrance, repentance, reconciliation, righteousness, and rejoicing.
He described the Jubilee as a gift from God, emphasizing gratitude, spiritual renewal, and community prosperity. The bishop announced year-long spiritual programs, including a procession of the Holy Cross to every family in the diocese, aimed at deepening spiritual life.
Pilgrimage to designated holy sites within the diocese was encouraged. These include:
- Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur
- St Lawrence Minor Basilica, Attur, Karkala
- Stella Maris Shrine, Kalmady
- St Anthony’s Shrine, Kerekatte, Hosangadi
The ceremony was attended by several clergy, including vicar general Monsignor Ferdinand Gonsalves, Fr Dr Roshan D’Souza, Fr Vincent Crasta, Fr Reginald Pinto, Fr Cyril Lobo, and guest clergy.
Both dioceses have called upon the faithful to embrace the Jubilee Year as an opportunity for spiritual transformation and renewal, making it a year of hope, reconciliation, and joy.