Archdiocese of Goa-Daman Hosts CCBI Jubilee Yātra

Old Goa, January 30, 2025 – The Archdiocese of Goa-Daman hosted the Jubilee Yātra of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) on January 23, 2025, at Pius X Pastoral Centre, Old Goa. The event, which brought together 140 priests, religious, and lay faithful, was organized to prepare the Church for the Jubilee Year 2025. It also coincided with the celebration of the sixth Sunday of the Word. The gathering fostered spiritual renewal, unity, and reflection, reinforcing the connection between the Synod for a Synodal Church (2021-2024) and the ongoing Jubilee Year.

His Excellency Most Rev. Simião Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Convenor of the Program, welcomed the gathering and set the tone for the day. Emphasizing the spiritual essence of the Yātra, he stated, "It is not a journey on foot but a pilgrimage of the heart; it is not a physical journey, but a spiritual voyage that seeks to connect believers across the country in a shared pursuit of hope. Renewal, reflection, and consciousness are the milestones of the journey."

In his presidential address, His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa-Daman, highlighted the importance of ecclesial connection in the Church's journey during Jubilee 2025. "We need to make an ecclesial connection between the Synod for a Synodal Church 2021-2024 and Jubilee 2025,” he said. “We journey together as pilgrims of hope," he added.

The program was further enriched by Fr. Enoch Macwan, a member of the CCBI National Facilitating Team for Jubilee 2025, who animated the session and introduced the participants to the scope of the Jubilee Yātra. He outlined the opportunities presented by Jubilee 2025, encouraging a deep engagement with the themes of hope, renewal, and unity.

A key highlight of the gathering was the veneration of the Word of God, affirming its central role in the faith and spiritual lives of the faithful

With the event, the Archdiocese of Goa-Daman became the 63rd diocese in India to host the CCBI Jubilee Yātra, a nationwide initiative by the CCBI National Facilitating Team to bring the fruits of synodal discussions to local churches. The yatra marked a significant step in preparing the faithful for the Jubilee 2025 celebrations, inspiring a renewed commitment to ecclesial communion and spiritual growth.

Courtesy: Archdiocese of Goa-Daman Media Team