Diocese of Vasai Inaugurates Jubilee Year 2025

Vasai, January 7, 2024: The Diocese of Vasai inaugurated the Jubilee Year 2025 on December 29, 2024, in a grand and enthusiastic manner at the Our Lady of Grace Cathedral in Papdy by Bishop Thomas D'Souza of Vasai.

Former Archbishop Felix Machado of Vasai, Bishop Emeritus Thomas Dabre, priests from various parishes/churches in the diocese, religious sisters, laypeople, and numerous other devotees participated in this historic event.  This inauguration ceremony of the Jubilee Year created new hope and renewal of our commitment to the church and spiritual revival in the hearts of every faithful in Vasai.

Special attraction:

Jubilee Cross and Anthem - The special attraction of this historic ceremony was the Jubilee Cross. Which is a symbol of the diverse culture of the Diocese of Vasai.

The concept, design and creation of this cross have been done with great reflection and creativity by the Diocesan Contact Person and chief Coordinator of the Jubilee Year for the Diocese, Father Robert Gonsalves, and it has been created equally artistically by the well-known sculptors of Vasai, the Sequeira brothers.

The diverse culture of Vasai is reflected in the symbols of this cross. This is noticeable if we look closely at the various symbols and emblems depicted on the cross and on its base. This cross, which reflects the religious, spiritual, social and cultural traditions of Vasai, created a sense of curiosity mixed with pride among all the faithful present. The meaning of the various parts of the cross and the emblems on it and the explanation given by Fr. Robert about it were amazing!

The flow of the ceremony

The Jubilee Year was inaugurated with a grand procession of this cross. At the beginning,

Archbishop Felix Machado, retired, blessed the cross with a ritual prayer and then the procession began. To highlight this, all bishops, priests and lay faithful, who are our spiritual leaders, always help & guide the faithful in drawing near Jesus; the bishops, priests and lay faithful were in the forefront while carrying the Jubilee Cross. At this time, the national anthem was sung.

With the participation of the altar servers, the bearers of the Jubilee Cross, all bishops, priests, religious sisters, and representatives of the faithful, (representatives of the lay faithful—women, men, young men, young women, children and girls) the procession was taken out from the cathedral premises and entered through the main entrance of the cathedral. 

At this time, the atmosphere was filled with devotional songs sung with joy by the choir. After the installation of the cross in the cathedral, Bishop Thomas D'Souza of Vasai officially announced the inauguration of the Jubilee Year.

During the Holy Mass offered on this occasion, Bishop D'Souza, during his homily, highlighted the important aspects of the Jubilee Year, delving into the history of the Jubilee Year and its spiritual journey. Referring in particular to the Jubilee of Mercy declared by Pope Francis in 2015, and linking it to the Jubilee of Hope in 2025, he urged, "This is a year of gratitude, forgiveness and grace. Let us imitate the Holy Family and make our families a place of faith."

Special Blessing for the Faithful At the end of the ceremony:

Bishop Thomas D'Souza, along with Archbishop Emeritus Felix Machado and Bishop Emeritus Thomas Dabre, jointly gave a special blessing to the faithful. It is a rare occasion for all the bishops of the diocese, past and present, to be present at the same time at such an occasion!

Successful conclusion of the program

Father Anil Perera briefly thanked Father Joel D’Souza, Father Robert Gonsalves, the Liturgy team & Choir, the organizing team, the youth group, the Rector of the Cathedral, Father

John Fergos and all his co-pastors, as well as all the priests present, the consecrated and faithful and the Sequeira brothers (for creating the Jubilee Cross), all the participants and representatives of the press and media. The technical team that did the photography and videography was also appreciated at this time.

At the end of the ceremony, the Jubilee Anthem, composed and sung by Father Robert Gonsalves himself, was another special part of the ceremony. This anthem clearly impressed the historical background and hopeful message of the Jubilee year in the minds of the faithful and inspired them to review their spiritual journey & life so far, introspect, and move forward with new hope.

At the end of the ceremony, while the national anthem was being sung, all the devotees came forward in line, had a glimpse of the Jubilee Cross, bowed down before it and prayed.

An inspiring year for the devotees

With excellent organization, traditional music, and the enthusiasm of the devotees, the devotees hope that this Jubilee Year 2025 will be a year of self-examination, transformation, and spiritual development for the Vasai Diocese and a year of new hope and vitality for every family.

By Fr. Robert Joseph Gonsalves