Mangaluru: The Diocese of Mangalore solemnly concluded the “Jubilee Year of Hope 2025” on December 28 at Our Lady of Holy Rosary Cathedral, Rosario, coinciding with the Feast of the Holy Family. The closing ceremony marked the culmination of a year-long spiritual journey centred on faith, renewal, and hope for the Catholic community.
Solemn Eucharistic Celebration
The stational Mass was presided over by Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore. He was joined by a large number of concelebrants, including:
- Maxim L. Noronha, Vicar General
- Daniel Veigas OP, Episcopal Vicar for Religious
- Naveen Pinto, Judicial Vicar and Coordinator of Pastoral Commissions
- Valerian D’Souza, Parish Priest, Rosario Cathedral
- Santhosh Rodrigues, Director, Pastoral Centre
- Rudolf Ravi D’Sa, Vicar Forane, Pezar
- Anil Ivan Fernandes, Director, CCC
- J. B. Crasta, Director, St Antony Ashram
- Fr Valerian Fernandes and Fr Jason Lobo
Liturgical Significance of the Jubilee Conclusion
Following the special Jubilee rites, several symbolic elements highlighted the spiritual depth of the celebration:
- The Jubilee Cross: The decorated cross, displayed near the altar throughout the Jubilee Year, remained the focal symbol of faith and hope.
- Universal Prayer: Special intercessions were offered for the Church, society, and the world, reflecting the spiritual fruits of the Jubilee.
- Presentation of Gifts: Offerings for the poor symbolised the Diocese’s ongoing commitment to charity and solidarity.
- Communion under Both Kinds: The faithful received the Eucharist under both kinds, signifying the fullness of the Eucharistic banquet.
- Te Deum: After the post-communion prayer, the congregation joined the Bishop in singing the Te Deum, expressing thanksgiving for the graces and indulgences received during the Jubilee Year.
Bishop’s Message: Hope Beyond the Jubilee
In his homily, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha reminded the faithful that the conclusion of the Jubilee does not mark the end of hope.
“The Jubilee Year of Hope is closed, but hope still continues. Our faith leads us to be hopeful,”
he said, urging families to become living witnesses of hope by imitating the Holy Family of Nazareth through compassion, humility, patience, and mutual love.
The Bishop also reflected on the immense spiritual grace experienced during the year, noting that eight designated shrines across the Diocese served as centres for Jubilee indulgences and renewal.
A Call to Live Hope Daily
The celebration concluded with a Solemn Blessing and a scriptural dismissal drawn from the First Letter of St Peter, calling upon the faithful to remain ready to give an account of the hope that lives within them. With this sending forth, the Diocese reaffirmed its mission to carry the spirit of the Jubilee into everyday Christian life.
