India: Archdiocese of Goa and Daman Concludes Jubilee Year with Call to Be “Pilgrims of Hope”

The Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, western India, solemnly concluded the Year of the Jubilee on December 28, 2025, the Feast of the Holy Family, with a Eucharistic celebration at the Sé Cathedral, Old Goa. The Holy Mass was presided over by Auxiliary Bishop Simião Fernandes, with several priests concelebrating.

Delivering the homily, Fr. Nelson Sequeira, Professor at the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol, reflected on the significance of the Jubilee Year and highlighted the centrality of hope in Christian life, as exemplified by the Holy Family of Nazareth. He invited the faithful to become visible and tangible signs of hope within their families, parishes, and society.

Reflecting on the deeper meaning of the Jubilee celebrations, Fr. Sequeira said,

“The doors of the churches and basilicas that were opened at the inauguration of the Jubilee Year will be closed at its conclusion, but the doors of our hearts must remain open. The fruits we have received during this grace-filled year must be shared for the benefit of others, thereby giving hope to all.”

Referring to scriptural passages from the life of the Holy Family, Fr. Sequeira urged the faithful to imbibe their virtues and live them out in everyday life, becoming authentic witnesses of hope in today’s world.

Addressing the gathering, Bishop Simião Fernandes, Convenor of the Diocesan Jubilee Committee, expressed his deep appreciation for the dedication and commitment of all committee members. He thanked them for their tireless efforts and assured them of his prayers and continued spiritual support.

The Jubilee Year in the Archdiocese, themed “Hope Does Not Disappoint” (Romans 5:5), was inaugurated on December 29, 2024. Over the course of the year, nearly 40 different Jubilees were celebrated, bringing together various sections of the faithful for prayer, reflection, reconciliation, and renewal.

During the entrance procession, the Jubilee Cross was carried by young people. Representatives of the various Jubilees celebrated throughout the year offered symbolic fruits and affixed them to a mango tree that had been planted at the inauguration of the Jubilee Year in 2024. This act symbolized the spiritual fruits borne during the Jubilee journey.

A video presentation highlighting the many Jubilee celebrations held throughout the year was screened prior to the Mass. The liturgy was well coordinated, with Fr. Leslie Noronha serving as the liturgical commentator and Fr. Afonso Mendonça, Director of the Diocesan Liturgical Centre, animating the liturgy. Valerio Fernandes led the liturgical singing. Fr. Leo Fernandes, Executive Secretary of the Diocesan Pastoral Secretariat, delivered the vote of thanks.

The Year of the Ordinary Jubilee in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman formally concluded with the symbolic closing of the main door of the Sé Cathedral.

As part of the Jubilee observance, the Archdiocese had designated specific parishes and pious places where the faithful could obtain the Jubilee indulgence. The faithful were also encouraged to visit approved pilgrimage sites and perform works of mercy to receive the indulgence.

The conclusion of the Jubilee Year marked a moment of gratitude and recommitment, as the Archdiocese renewed its call to remain pilgrims of hope, steadfast in faith and committed to service.