Church in India Welcomes New Jubilee 2025 National Coordinator

Bengaluru, July 24, 2025 — In a significant moment for the Catholic Church in India, Diocesan Jubilee 2025 Coordinators from across the country gathered online on July 22 to officially welcome Fr. R. Antonysamy of the Diocese of Indore as the newly appointed National Coordinator for Jubilee 2025. More than a routine leadership transition, the gathering served as a reaffirmation of the Church’s united journey toward Jubilee 2025, themed “Pilgrims of Hope.”

Powerful testimonies were shared by diocesan representatives, offering glimpses into the vibrant faith initiatives unfolding across the country. From the use of customised Jubilee calendars to focused outreach to children, youth, and marginalised communities, dioceses demonstrated a deep pastoral engagement rooted in faith formation and renewal. These local experiences reflected the core spirit of the Jubilee—a Church walking together in hope and service.

At the national level, three major initiatives were discussed and celebrated:

• The Jubilee Yātra to dioceses, a symbolic pilgrimage fostering connection and solidarity across regions;
• The dissemination of the Final Document of the Synod for a Synodal Church, enabling local Churches to reflect on and implement its pastoral insights;
• The coordination of Jubilee 'L' Visa processes for pilgrims journeying to Rome, facilitating Indian participation in the universal celebrations.

In his inaugural address, Fr. R. Antonysamy expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and acknowledged the rich groundwork already laid by dioceses across the country. He affirmed his commitment to continue the mission of Jubilee 2025 with dedication and collaboration. He also underlined the importance of journeying together in the synodal spirit to deepen communion and witness.

Outgoing National Coordinator Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi offered words of appreciation to the diocesan teams for their steadfast collaboration. He introduced a new national project under the Jubilee banner—documenting the lives of missionaries to India as Pilgrims of Hope—to be coordinated through the Diocesan Contact Persons.

He also briefly presented the rite for concluding Jubilee 2025 in local churches and drew attention to the upcoming Jubilee of Diocesan Synodal Teams in Rome from 24–26 October 2025, a significant global expression of synodal communion.

The Coordinators collectively expressed their appreciation to the CCBI Office-bearers for their constant support and guidance. Special thanks were also extended to PMO India and Communio for generously sponsoring the national animation programmes and the Jubilee Yātra.

This gathering stood as a powerful witness to a living Church in India—rooted in communion, vibrant in mission, and joyful in hope. As Jubilee 2025 draws near, the journey continues with renewed dedication to unity, remembrance, and pastoral transformation

By Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

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