The Diocese of Udupi commenced its celebration of the Jubilee Year 2025, commemorating 2025 years since the birth of Jesus Christ, with a solemn ceremony at Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur, on December 29, 2024. Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi, officially inaugurated the Jubilee Year by opening the cathedral’s main door, designated as a symbolic Holy Door, marking the beginning of a year of grace, renewal, and hope.
The ceremony began with a prayer service held at the Milagres Tri-Centenary Hall, where the faithful gathered in joyful anticipation. This was followed by the formal inauguration of the Ordinary Jubilee, a historic celebration that occurs every 25 years, as ordained by the Roman Catholic Church. Preparations for this Jubilee Year were undertaken throughout 2024, focusing on deepening the faith through learning, prayer, and acts of charity.
Bishop Lobo concelebrated the Eucharistic Mass with distinguished clergy, including Msgr. Ferdinand Gonsalves, Vicar General of Udupi Diocese, and Rev. Dr. Roshan D’Souza, Chancellor of the Diocese. Several other priests, religious, and faithful participated in this significant event.
In his homily, Bishop Lobo eloquently explained the theological and spiritual significance of the Jubilee. Drawing from the Old Testament, he outlined the five core elements of a Jubilee: remembrance of God’s blessings and covenant, return to God through repentance and conversion, reconciliation among individuals and with God, living according to God’s will inspired by the Gospel, and jubilation as an expression of communal joy and thanksgiving.
“The Jubilee Year is a divine gift,” Bishop Lobo affirmed. “It is a sacred time for the faithful to reflect on their relationship with God, seek reconciliation, and live out their faith with renewed vigor. It invites us to foster unity, peace, and hope within our communities.”
The Eucharistic celebration included several priests as concelebrants, including Rev. Fr. Vincent Crasta, Secretary of CESU; Rev. Fr. Reginald Pinto, Director of Sampada; and Rev. Fr. Cyril Lobo, along with Rev. Fr. Wilson D’Souza, Rev. Fr Ronson D’Souza, Rev. Fr Pradeep Cardoza, Rev. Dr. Jancil Alva, Rev. Fr Manoj Furtado, Rev. Fr Valeiran Castelino, and Rev. Fr Vincent Lobo.
The Jubilee Year 2025, themed “Pilgrims of Hope,” was officially inaugurated by Pope Francis on December 24, 2024, with the opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. The Holy Door symbolizes Christ, the gateway to salvation, and invites the faithful to a transformative journey of faith and renewal.
In his February 2022 letter announcing the Jubilee, Pope Francis reflected on the need for hope in the modern world, stating, “We must fan the flame of hope… and help everyone gain new strength and certainty.” He called on the Church to emphasize reconciliation, offer plenary indulgences, and organize events to deepen the faith and foster unity among the faithful.
The Jubilee, set to conclude on January 6, 2026, provides a special opportunity for Catholics worldwide to partake in spiritual renewal and experience the mercy and love of God.
As the Diocese of Udupi joins the universal Church in this sacred celebration, Bishop Lobo underscored the importance of the Jubilee for the local faithful. Special initiatives, including pilgrimages, retreats, and acts of charity, will mark the year, fostering spiritual growth and community engagement.
The opening of the Holy Door at Milagres Cathedral not only marks the official commencement of the Jubilee Year but also invites the faithful to walk through it in faith and hope, symbolizing a renewed commitment to live as true disciples of Christ.