Diocese of Ajmer Inaugurates Jubilee Year 2025 with Solemn Celebration

Ajmer, January 17, 2025: The Diocese of Ajmer inaugurated the Jubilee Year 2025 on December 28, 2024, with a solemn celebration at St. Anselm’s Ground, Ajmer. The event was presided over by Retd. Rev. Bishop Oswald Lewis, the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese. Several priests, religious sisters, and members of the faithful from the diocese were present for the event.

The celebration began with a procession led by Bishop Oswald and several priests, who made their way to a beautifully decorated stage. Mrs. Dennis opened the event with an address in which she highlighted the significance of the Jubilee Year and encouraged active participation from the faithful. Bishop Oswald then introduced the theme for the Jubilee and officially declared the year open for the Diocese of Ajmer. Sr. Swapna followed by reading excerpts from the Papal Bull of Indiction in Hindi.

After this, the Jubilee Pilgrim Cross was carried in a grand procession from St. Anselm’s Ground to the entrance of the adjacently located Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Cathedral. The procession was led by the thurifer, the Jubilee Cross bearer, and the deacon carrying the Holy Scripture, followed by the bishop, concelebrants, and the faithful. Upon reaching the principal gate of the cathedral, Bishop Oswald displayed the Jubilee Cross to the gathered congregation, who venerated it with utmost devotion.

The cross was then carried in a solemn procession into the cathedral premises and placed on the holy altar. This was followed by the rite of commemoration of baptism at the baptismal font inside the cathedral. Bishop Oswald led the poignant rite by blessing the water kept at the font. This blessed water was then sprinkled on the faithful by the bishop and priests. The celebration continued with a Mass of the Holy Family. During the Mass, the Jubilee hymn was sung by the choir, directed by Mr. Cosmos.

After the conclusion of the Holy Mass, Fr. Clement Cutinho, the diocesan in charge of the Jubilee 2025, offered a heartfelt vote of thanks. The liturgy for the day was thoughtfully prepared by Fr. Raymond. The event concluded with a shared meal, symbolizing the unity of the community as they embarked on the journey of Jubilee 2025 together.

By Sr. Swapana John MSA