Indian Priests, Sisters and Brothers’ Union, Rome, Participates in a Holy Door Pilgrimage in Rome

Rome, April 10, 2025 — Over 80 members of the Indian Priests, Sisters and Brothers’ Union (IPSBU), Rome, participated in a Holy Door Pilgrimage at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City on Saturday, April 5, as part of the Jubilee Year 2025. The event, held in the heart of Rome, began in the afternoon at Piazza Pia and brought together priests, sisters, and brothers from various congregations, rites, and linguistic backgrounds from Rome to walk through the Holy Door as a sign of spiritual renewal and ecclesial communion.

Fr. Alexander, President of IPSBU, welcomed the participants and offered a brief reflection on the significance of the Jubilee Year and the Holy Door as a moment of conversion, forgiveness, mercy, and renewal. He emphasised that walking through the Holy Door is not merely a ritual but a profound symbolic act of passing from sin to grace, from isolation to communion. He emphasised its meaning as a passage from sin to grace and a call to deeper communion within the Church.

The pilgrimage commenced with prayers and hymns led by Sr. Jesna Cheriyan FCC (Joint Secretary, IPSBU) and Sr. Francisco Nirmala (Secretary, IINDOGAT) along with their team, whose leadership set a reflective tone for the sacred journey that followed.

As the group entered the Holy Door of the Basilica, they carried with them personal and communal intentions, praying for the Church and the world. The climax of the procession came at the Tomb of St. Peter, where the group professed the Creed together.

Later, the pilgrims prayed the Rosary inside the Basilica, followed by the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at the Altar of the Chair of St. Peter. The Mass, marked by reverent participation, brought together all the intentions, hopes, and thanksgiving of the community into a beautiful liturgical offering.

The event was organised with careful planning and coordination by the IPSBU Core Team and Executive Members, in collaboration with officials of the Vatican.

In his closing remarks, Fr. Alexander thanked all the participants for their dedication and acknowledged the efforts of all who contributed to the success of the event.

This pilgrimage, grounded in prayer and unity, stands as a memorable moment of grace for the IPSBU community in Rome. It will remain a cherished memory and a source of spiritual strength for the members of the community as they continue their mission in Rome and across the globe with renewed zeal as true “Pilgrims of Hope”.

By Fr. Sanjay Tirkey, CSsR.

Secretary, IPSBU