Jamshedpur Diocese Embarks on Synodal Journey with “Pilgrims of Hope” Workshops

Jamshedpur, September 25, 2025 – The Diocese of Jamshedpur has launched a series of workshops titled “Pilgrims of Hope: Discerning the Synodal Path” as part of its Jubilee Year celebrations. Centred on the method of spiritual conversation, the initiative is designed to foster listening, dialogue, and discernment across the diocese.

To ensure wide participation, the diocese has been divided into seven clusters. Each cluster is hosting a one-day workshop involving parish representatives, clergy, and lay people. The first three clusters completed their sessions in September, with the remaining four scheduled for October.

The opening workshop took place on 22 September at St. Joseph’s Church, Charbandia, gathering 72 participants from four parishes. The following day, Christ the King Church in Chakradharpur hosted the second cluster, drawing 63 members from six parishes. The third session was held at St. Xavier’s Church, Chaibasa, with 68 participants from another six parishes.

Messages and Reflections

Bishop Telesphore Bilung SVD, Bishop of Jamshedpur, delivered the keynote address, calling the faithful to be “pilgrims of hope” and to embrace spiritual conversation as a path to renewal.

Fr. Valerian Lobo, Diocesan Director of Faith Formation, spoke on the importance of the method in shaping a synodal Church, stressing that it begins in the domestic church and flows into parish and diocesan life. Citing Romans 5:1-5 and Colossians 3:12-17, he reminded participants of the hope found in Christ and the virtues that sustain Christian communities.

Another session drew from the Final Document of the XXXVI Plenary Assembly and Pope Francis’ Jubilee proclamation Pilgrims of Hope. Guided by the verse “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor 5:7), participants explored issues of faith formation, family, youth, indigenous peoples, poverty, migration, inclusion, healing, justice, and mission.

Dialogue and Participation

Parish groups engaged in an hour of spiritual conversation—listening, sharing, and discerning local challenges. Each parish later presented its reflections to the wider assembly, affirming a collective commitment to the diocese’s synodal journey. Parish priests and their teams played an active role, modelling attentive listening and pastoral closeness.

Participants responded positively, acknowledging the method as fresh yet accessible. Many valued its depth and practicality, noting that it enabled genuine dialogue often missing from traditional approaches.

Moving Forward

As the diocese continues with the remaining workshops in October, the initiative is proving a milestone. Rooted in scripture, inspired by Pilgrims of Hope, and attentive to community realities, the sessions are strengthening communion, participation, and mission. Together, the faithful are learning to walk as true pilgrims of hope in a world seeking light and unity.

Jamshedpur Diocese Embarks on Synodal Journey with “Pilgrims of Hope” Workshops

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