Mysore Diocese Marks Jubilee Year with Prayer, Reflection, and Fellowship

Mysore, August 18, 2025: The Diocese of Mysore celebrated its Jubilee Year 2025 with a day of prayer, reflection, and fellowship at St. Philomena’s College Indoor Stadium on 4 August 2025. The event, held on the Feast of St. John Marie Vianney and coinciding with the Archbishop’s birthday, reflected the Jubilee theme “Journeying Together in the Mission and in the Church.”

The celebration opened with a prayer song, followed by words of welcome from Fr. Santha Lopes, OFM Cap. The Archbishop lit the ceremonial lamp and invoked blessings. During the session, Fr. Rathan Almeida, OCD, presented a memorandum condemning atrocities against Christians and calling for national intervention to safeguard justice and religious freedom.

Keynote and Group Reflections

Fr. Thomas Manjaly, SAC, delivered the keynote address on “Challenges of Journeying Together in Mission.” He underlined the importance of prayer, collaboration, courage in witness, and living out the Gospel message in today’s world.

Later, deanery groups engaged in discussions on teamwork in catechesis, vocations, pastoral planning, and the importance of joint formation. Their reports highlighted practical ways of strengthening communal mission.

Cultural and Fellowship Activities

The celebration also included cultural performances by Fr. Lancy Lewis, OCD, Mercy Convent Special School, and the Teresian Institutions, which showcased unity and joy. Group games were organised to build fraternity among priests and religious.

Adoration and Eucharist

Eucharistic Adoration, confessions, and Benediction added a deeply spiritual dimension to the gathering. The day culminated with the solemn Holy Eucharist, presided over by the Archbishop. Priests, sisters, and seminarians took part in the liturgical ministries, while students of St. Matthias School presented a Jubilee Welcome Dance.

In his homily, the Archbishop invited participants to draw inspiration from St. John Vianney’s example of humility, prayer, and missionary zeal, urging them to embody these virtues in their pastoral service.

Gratitude and Conclusion

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Fr. Alfred John Mendonca, Vicar General, who expressed appreciation to the Archbishop, organisers, speakers, cultural teams, and venue hosts. He made special mention of Sr. Juanita, CSST, who served as the graceful Master of Ceremonies.

The Jubilee gathering was hailed as a powerful witness of unity and renewal, inspiring priests and religious of the Mysore Diocese to continue journeying together in faith, mission, and service to the Gospel.

By Fr.Arul Selva Kumar

Download Catholic Connect App for Daily News Updates: 

Android: Click here to download

iOS: Click here to download