JUBILEE 2025: A YEAR OF GRACE AND ACTION
Highlights of the Jubilee of Hope in the Diocese of Mangalore
“Hope does not disappoint us” (Romans 5:5)
As the Universal Church celebrates the Ordinary Jubilee 2025, the Diocese of Mangalore has responded with a vibrant tapestry of events focusing on spiritual renewal, synodal listening, and concrete works of mercy. Under the leadership of Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, the diocese has witnessed historical milestones that have touched every section of the faithful—from clergy to youth, and from widows to professionals.
Here is an overview of the major highlights and impactful programmes conducted during this Jubilee Year of Hope.
I. SPIRITUAL AWAKENING & PUBLIC WITNESS
1. Mega Bible Convention 2025
Date: March 20 – 23, 2025
Venue: Holy Cross Church Grounds, Cordel, Kulshekar
Impact: Over 15,000 faithful gathered daily for this spiritual immersion.
Details: Marking the Golden Jubilee of the Charismatic Renewal in the diocese, this convention was the spiritual powerhouse of the year. Renowned preacher Rev. Fr. Dominic Valanmanal led the faithful in days of inner healing, deliverance, and deep reflection on the Word of God, preparing hearts for the Jubilee indulgence.
2. Grand Diocesan Eucharistic Procession
Date: January 5, 2025 (Feast of Epiphany)
Route: Milagres Church to Rosario Cathedral
Participation: 8,000+ faithful
Details: A public profession of faith where thousands walked in solemn procession through the city streets. The event culminated at Rosario Cathedral with a benediction by Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha, proclaiming Christ as the “Hope of the World.
3. Journey of the Jubilee Cross (Pilgrimage of Hope)
Organizers: Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM)
Scope: Across all Deaneries and Parishes
Details: The Jubilee Cross has been journeying as a “Pilgrim” from parish to parish, carried by the youth. This spiritual relay has united parishes in prayer, with special adoration services conducted upon the arrival of the Cross in each community.
II. WORKS OF MERCY & SOCIAL EMPOWERMENT
4. The “Matronnathi Nidhi” (Jubilee of Women)
Date: March 16, 2025
Event: Diocesan Women’s Day & Jubilee of Women
Initiative: Launch of a permanent Revolving Fund for Widows.
Details: In a landmark move for social justice, the Diocese launched the Matronnathi Fund. This initiative moves beyond charity to empowerment, providing sustainable financial aid, housing support, and self-employment resources specifically for widows and destitute women in the diocese.
5. Educational Support Revolving Fund
Beneficiaries: Needy Children of the Diocese
Details: To ensure that “Hope” translates into a future for the younger generation, a dedicated Revolving Fund was established. This fund supports the education of underprivileged children, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their academic aspirations.
6. Installation of the Catholic Lawyers Guild
Date: September 5, 2025
Venue: St. Antony’s Ashram, Jeppu
President: Adv. Sushanth C.A. Saldanha
Details: The Commission for Justice and Laity successfully installed the new Catholic Lawyers Guild. This body is tasked with providing legal aid to the poor, upholding justice, and serving as a moral compass in the legal fraternity under the patronage of St. Thomas More.
III. ECCLESIAL COMMUNION & SYNODALITY
7. Diocesan Consultation of Priests and Religious
Date: April 9 – 10, 2025
Participation: 300 Priests and Religious
Details: A two-day strategic consultation to embrace the “Synodal Pathway.” The clergy and religious leaders gathered to deliberate on the pastoral roadmap of the diocese, ensuring that the Jubilee year fosters a listening church that walks together.
8. Ecumenical Commemoration of the Nicene Creed
Date: November 12, 2025
Occasion: 1700th Anniversary of the Council of Nicaea
Details: A historic ecumenical gathering involving the CSI, Syro-Malabar, and other Christian denominations. The event celebrated the “Faith that Unites Us,” with theologians and leaders reaffirming the shared heritage of the Nicene Creed.
IV. YOUTH & FUTURE GENERATIONS
9. “Blooms Jubilee 2025” for Teens
Date: September 21, 2025
Venue: Cascia Church Hall
Organizers: Commission for Women & Commission for Youth
Details: A unique programme designed for teenagers, focusing on value-based formation. “Blooms” provided a platform for adolescents to explore their talents, leadership potential, and faith, ensuring the Jubilee’s message of Hope reaches the next generation.
V. FAMILY & VOCATION
10. “Faith Meets Future” Meet & Greet Gala
Date: July 20, 2025
Venue: St. Joseph Engineering College, Vamanjoor
Organizers: Diocesan Family Life Service Centre & Catholic Connect
Impact: 350+ Single Catholics participated.
Details: A groundbreaking initiative to help young singles discern the vocation of marriage within the faith. The event provided a platform for interaction, prayer, and guidance, aiming to build strong, faith-filled families for the future.
Conclusion The Jubilee Year 2025 in the Diocese of Mangalore has been more than a calendar of events; it has been a movement of grace. Through these nine major milestones, the Diocese has reaffirmed its commitment to being a community of Prayer, Unity, and Service.
“May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.” (Romans 15:13)
