India: Buddhist Monk Joins Catholic Jubilee Year Closing Celebrations in Diocese of Miao

The Diocese of Miao, a young mission diocese in the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, concluded the Jubilee Year 2025 with a solemn Mass followed by a grand Eucharistic procession on December 28, 2025. Both liturgical celebrations were presided over by Bishop George Pallipparambil, SDB of Miao.

The conclusion of the Jubilee Year 2025 also marked the beginning of preparations for the next Jubilee, to be celebrated in 2033. Describing the nine-year period as a time of spiritual preparation, Bishop Pallipparambil said, “The coming nine years will be like a nine-year novena for the next Jubilee.”

The Eucharistic procession, held in Miao, the diocesan headquarters and a town known for its ethnic and tribal diversity, was represented by a priest, a nun, a man, and a woman from each of the diocese’s 40 parishes. In his homily, Bishop Pallipparambil emphasized the centrality of hope in Christian life. “Hope should carry us forward. Hope is the foundation of Christian life. From the time of Abraham until today, we have lived in hope for a better and new life,” he said. Around 200 people participated in the procession.

During the year-long Jubilee celebrations, the diocese undertook various activities to make the observance spiritually meaningful. Two Jubilee Crosses were specially prepared: one was placed with great reverence in the cathedral, while the other was taken to villages across the diocese. Upon its arrival in each parish, the Jubilee Cross was carried in procession through the streets and brought to the church. Large numbers of people came forward to pay homage, and the initiative was warmly received by the lay faithful.

Solemn Masses were celebrated whenever the Jubilee Cross reached a parish or village, with people of all ages eagerly gathering to participate and receive blessings. Word of God celebrations were also conducted as part of the Jubilee observances, during which the faithful came together for Scripture reading and sharing.

A significant gesture during the concluding celebrations on December 28, in Miao was the participation of Venerable Narindru Biku, head of the Buddhist monastery in Miao. He joined the procession and later expressed solidarity with Christians, in the context of recent attacks during Christmas celebrations in different parts of the country. The senior monk, known for participating in Christian events, including Catholic processions and public gatherings, and for collaborating with the Church on various fronts, said, “I have come to express my protest against what has been done to Christians.”

The Diocese of Miao was erected in 2005, when Bishop George Pallipparambil was ordained as its first bishop and entrusted with the pastoral care of the newly established diocese. At that time, the Catholic population numbered about 70,000. Today, the diocese has grown to over 100,000 Catholics. The Church has witnessed significant growth, with many indigenous people embracing Catholicism and an increase in religious vocations.

The diocese has eight local priests and 60 local nuns belonging to different religious institutes. In addition, 108 missionary priests and 158 religious sisters serve across the diocese, including in remote mountainous areas that often require hours or even days of travel to reach. The diocese also shares international borders with China and Myanmar.

The Church serves the people through schools, hostels, training centres, healthcare facilities, and social outreach programmes. Some of the major tribes within the Diocese of Miao include the Adis, Wanchos, Noctes, Mossang, Singphos, Lazu, Tutsa, Mishmis, Ollo, Idu, and Mishings.