Bangladeshi Diocese Holds Closing Celebration of the Jubilee Year

The Diocese of Rajshahi in northwestern Bangladesh held a closing celebration of the Jubilee Year at the Nobai Bottola Our Lady of Protection Church on October 31.

The solemn celebration was graced by Bishop Gervas Rozario of Rajshahi, along with priests serving in various parishes, religious sisters, seminarians, and Caritas officials. Nearly three thousand faithful joined in the joyful event.

Arrangements were made for the faithful to avail themselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

The celebration began with a joyful rally, marking the Jubilee festivities, followed by the unveiling of the Jubilee Memorial Cross by Bishop Rozario.

Father William Murmu gave a reflection on the meaning of the Jubilee of Christ’s Nativity. He said, “The Jubilee inspires us to look back on our personal lives, our communities, and the Church. We receive many blessings from God, and during the Jubilee, we express our gratitude for these graces.” He added, “The Nativity Jubilee is a celebration of joy. We should embrace this joy deeply in our hearts and let it transform our lives.”

In his homily, Bishop Gervas Rozario said, “The Jubilee is a time for conversion of heart and sacrifice. It calls us to proclaim a message of hope to those in darkness. It is our moral duty to reach out and help those who are suffering in various ways.” The Bishop continued, “During this Jubilee Year, we journey forward with hope. Though we place our hopes in many things of this world, our ultimate hope should be union with the Father. To fulfill that hope, we must walk in His ways. Jesus Christ calls each of us to be His disciples; therefore, we must respond to that call by living holy and righteous lives.”