In a significant moment for the Church in Andhra Pradesh, South India, a regional celebration of the Jubilee Year 2025 was held on November 8 at Fr. Devaiah Auditorium, Andhra Loyola College, Vijayawada.
Nearly 1,200 faithful, including bishops, priests, religious, seminarians, and lay representatives, from the six dioceses of the Visakhapatnam Province gathered in unity to participate in this grace-filled celebration.
The solemn proceedings began with the unfurling of the Jubilee Flags by Archbishop Udumala Bala, Archbishop of Visakhapatnam, and , Bishop Telagathoti Joseph Raja Rao of Vijayawada, symbolizing the official opening of the celebration.
The inaugural session opened with a vibrant Jubilee Welcome Dance by the Spark Group, choreographed by Fr. Dusi Ravi Shekhar, SJ, setting the tone for a day of gratitude, reflection, and renewal.
Inspirational Sessions
The day’s sessions addressed the Jubilee’s central theme of renewal and communion within the Church.
The first session, led by Bishop Gorantla Johannes, OCD of Kurnool, focused on “The Spirituality of the Word of God”, emphasizing that Scripture is the living source from which the Church draws life and mission.
The second session, presented by Fr. Valle Vijaya Joji Babu of St. John’s Regional Seminary, Hyderabad, was titled “A Pilgrim Church in Andhra Pradesh, A Phenomenological Approach.” He traced the historical growth of the Catholic Church in Andhra Pradesh, highlighted evolving demographics, and discussed the increasing use of digital media in pastoral ministry.
In the third session, Sr. Nagothi Sundari MSI from Nirmala Nikethan, Vijayawada, spoke on “Working Together and Walking Together”, focusing on the indispensable role of women in the life of the Church, past and present, and their growing participation in decision-making and service.
The fourth session featured Fr. Govindu Rayana of the Guntur Diocese, addressing “The Role of Priests, Religious, and the Laity in the Formation of Faith.” He highlighted the critical contribution of lay people, especially women, in nurturing and transmitting faith at the grassroots level.
All sessions were moderated by Monsignor Muvvala Prasad, Vicar General of the Diocese of Vijayawada, who facilitated lively discussions and reflections among participants.
Solemn Eucharistic Celebration
The highlight of the day was the Solemn Eucharistic Celebration in the evening, presided over by Archbishop Udumala Bala and concelebrated by bishops from across the province and more than 150 priests.
Bishop Moses Doraboina Prakash of Nellore delivered preached an inspiring homily, reminding the faithful that all success and blessings flow from God alone. He underlined four pillars of Christian life, reading and living the Word of God, active participation in the Holy Mass, and proclaiming God through daily life and witness.
A Call to Renewal
Throughout the day, speakers and participants echoed a united call for the renewal of hearts, minds, and practices. They emphasized that the Word of God and the Liturgy must remain at the heart of Christian living and that the Church must courageously embrace digital tools to evangelize effectively in the modern age. Special emphasis was placed on giving women and youth their rightful place in the Church’s mission.
As the celebrations concluded, a profound sense of joy, gratitude, and spiritual renewal filled the hearts of all who attended. The Regional Jubilee Celebrations at Vijayawada marked a renewed commitment to journey together as one pilgrim Church, rooted in faith, united in love, and open to the Spirit’s guidance.
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