Diocese of Darjeeling Inaugurates Jubilee Year 2025 with Faith and Hope

Darjeeling, December 29, 2024: The Diocese of Darjeeling-Sikkim, under the leadership of Bishop Stephen Lepcha of Darjeeling, inaugurated the Jubilee Year 2025 with a grand ceremony at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral. Faithful from 44 parishes and sub-parishes gathered to witness the historic event, which began with the blessing of the Jubilee Cross in the Loreto forecourt, followed by a reading from Pope Francis' Spes Non Confundit Bull of Indiction.

The ceremony continued with a solemn procession to the cathedral door, where pilgrims venerated the Jubilee Cross as a symbol of victory and hope. Bishop Lepcha then led the congregation in renewing their Baptismal Vows and blessed the Baptismal Font, underscoring the profound grace imparted through baptism.

Coinciding with the Christmas season, the third part of the ceremony included a Mass celebrating the Holy Family of Nazareth. In his homily, Bishop Lepcha emphasized the sanctity of family life through the sacrament of holy matrimony, urging families to emulate the Holy Family and place Jesus at the center of their lives to overcome challenges.

A special committee was formed to oversee the activities of the Jubilee Year, comprising clergy, religious, and lay leaders, including Fr. Robin Kalikotey, Fr. Alexander Gurung, Sr. Veronica Ranger, and others. Jubilee Coordinator Fr. Robin Kalikotey outlined the year's planned activities and encouraged believers to embark on pilgrimages to designated sites in Darjeeling and Sikkim.

The Apostolic Penitentiary of Pope Francis has granted special indulgences for the Jubilee Year. Pilgrimage sites include the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Darjeeling, Christ the King Church in Pakyong—Sikkim’s mother church and Vijay Rani Girja Maria Busty. Pilgrims who visit these sites and engage in acts of mercy and penance will be granted a plenary indulgence.

The event witnessed significant participation from priests and religious figures, including Fr. Swid Singh, Chancellor; Fr. Frederick Lepcha, Pro-Vicar; Fr. Edward Baretto, Judicial Vicar; and Fr. Michael Singh, Dean.

The Jubilee Year, themed “Pilgrims of Hope,” promises to be a spiritually enriching journey for the faithful, inspiring them to deepen their faith and embrace acts of mercy.

By Ronald Rai