- 17 September, 2025
Bangalore, September 17, 2025: The Golden Jubilee celebrations of St. Peter’s Pontifical Institute commenced on 17 September with an inaugural Mass presided over by His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India and Archbishop of Goa & Daman, and concelebrated by several archbishops, bishops and priests.
In his homily, Cardinal Filipe Neri reminded the gathering that the institute is founded with a mission that goes far beyond academics. He recalled, “St. Peter's was founded not merely as an academic institution, but as a centre of faith, formation and service.” Over the years, he noted, it has become a cradle of theological thought in India and beyond, a beacon for students who would go on to become priests.
He urged the community to look deeper into the meaning of the celebration. “You’re not merely celebrating an institutional anniversary. You are celebrating your identity in Christ,” he stresses. The Institute, he explained, has always stood on the conviction that theology is not just an academic pursuit, but fundamentally a response to God’s revelation in Christ.
Citing St. Paul, the Cardinal reminded everyone that all blessings are meant for the praise of God’s glory. He explains that this Jubilee is not a moment for self-congratulation but for glorifying God, “who has done all this through you and despite you. The Institute is not just your work. It is God’s work through you.”
Looking back, he recalled how so many students have come to St. Peter’s with little means but left empowered to serve. He affirmed that God’s transformative power has lifted the humble and filled the hungry with good things—intellectually, spiritually, and pastorally. He also connected this to Mary’s example: “Mary’s response to God is not just gratitude, it is a life of service. That is the ultimate fruit of theological formation, not just knowledge, but a heart that magnifies the Lord and serves his people.”
In his reflection, the Cardinal likened the institute to Mary’s Magnificat, saying, “In many ways, the Magnificat of Mary could be this institute. And He who is mighty has done great things, and holy is His name.” Just as Mary points not to herself but to God, he reminded the congregation that these Jubilee celebrations must also point not to them, but to Him.
He described Mary’s journey as a pilgrim—from Bethlehem to the temple, to Calvary, and onwards with the Church—and explained that theology, too, must journey with people in their real-life contexts. In his words, “Theology must move from classroom to community, from the head to the heart, and most importantly to the hands.”
Cardinal Filipe Neri went on to say that by embodying Mary’s openness to God and journeying with others in prophetic courage, a theological institute can and should become not just a centre of theological knowledge but also “a place of theological wisdom, spiritual maturity, and transformative mission.” He encouraged the gathering to move forward from Jubilee to mission.
As he concluded, the Cardinal reflected, “On this Golden Jubilee, we echo Isaiah, Paul, and Mary. We recount the steadfast love of the Lord, who has walked with St. Peter’s every step of the way.” He prayed that this Jubilee will not be an end but a new beginning, adding, “May St. Peter’s Pontifical Institute continue to be a place where God is known more deeply, loved more profoundly and served more faithfully.”
The inaugural day of the Jubilee continues with scholarly reflections, and the three-day celebration will carry on till 19 September, drawing the community together in faith, gratitude, and mission.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
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