A Year of Grace Begins: Jubilee 2025 Ceremony Sets a Spiritual Tone

Bhopal, January 4, 2025: The Jubilee 2025 opening ceremony was celebrated with enthusiasm and devotion on December 29, 2024, in the Bhopal Archdiocese. Archbishop A. Arokia Sebastian Durairaj of Bhopal presided as the main celebrant of the event. The ceremony began at 3 PM at the St. Joseph's Co-ed School grounds, where Archbishop Durairaj blessed the Jubilee Cross, signifying the start of its pilgrimage to the Co-Cathedral, Our Lady of Assumption Church.

Upon reaching the church entrance, the Archbishop officially declared the start of the Jubilee year and hoisted the flag to mark its commencement. Leading the faithful into the church, he sprinkled Holy Water on the faithful, invoking divine blessings. The event saw the participation of all the priests from the Archdiocese, as well as religious and lay faithful who came together to honor this momentous occasion. It was a profoundly spiritual experience, with the Archbishop’s homily serving as a central highlight.

In his address, Archbishop Durairaj reflected on the theme, "Church as Pilgrims of Hope in the World." He urged the faithful to embrace the Jubilee year with renewed hope and dedication to their faith, encouraging them to be sources of light in a world fraught with challenges. The Jubilee 2025 opening ceremony set the tone for a year focused on spiritual growth, reflection, and joyful celebration. Fr. Thomas Philip, the Jubilee coordinator, graced the occasion by felicitating the inauguration and expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their support and active participation.

By Fr. Thomas Philip