Pope Francis has declared 2025 as the Jubilee Year, a time for spiritual renewal, acts of mercy, and outreach to the needy, reflecting the Catholic Church's mission to bring God's love to all. Following this call, Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of the Diocese of Udupi, urged every parish in the diocese to construct a new house for a needy family as a Jubilee offering. Responding to this initiative, the first new house was inaugurated and blessed at St. Antony Parish, Kuntalnagar.
The joyous occasion began with the benefactor family cutting the ribbon and entering their new home, a dream realized through the collective efforts of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, parishioners, donors, and well-wishers. Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo led the blessing ceremony, invoking God’s grace upon the family and their home.
The event was graced by Rev. Fr. Reginal Pinto, Director of Sampada; Rev. Fr. Stany B. Lobo, Parish Priest of Kuntalnagar; Rev. Fr. Leo D’Souza, Assistant Parish Priest of Udupi; and Rev. Fr. Melwin from Kuntalnagar. Members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, along with parishioners, deanery representatives, and the benefactors’ family, participated in the celebration.
A short felicitation program followed, highlighting the importance of this Jubilee act in living out the Church's teachings on love, mercy, and solidarity. In his address, Bishop Gerald emphasized the Jubilee’s theme of “Pilgrims of Hope” and reminded everyone of Pope Francis' call to let acts of kindness and charity mark the celebrations of 2025. He also reiterated the Church’s teaching that true faith is demonstrated through service to the marginalized.
This milestone event serves as a reminder of the power of community and the importance of extending God's love through action, making the Jubilee Year a time of both spiritual enrichment and practical compassion.