Team Goemkarponn
OLD GOA: The Archdiocese of Goa and Daman solemnly concluded the Year of the Ordinary Jubilee on Sunday, December 28, coinciding with the Feast of the Holy Family, with a Eucharistic celebration at the Se Cathedral, Old Goa.
The Holy Mass was presided over by Bishop Simião Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, with several priests concelebrating.
Delivering the homily, Fr Nelson Sequeira, Professor at the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol, reflected on the spiritual significance of the Jubilee Year, highlighting hope as the cornerstone of Christian life, as exemplified by the Holy Family of Nazareth. He urged the faithful to become visible and tangible signs of hope within their families, parishes and society.
Explaining the deeper meaning of the Jubilee, Fr Sequeira said,
“The doors of the churches and basilicas 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 should be used for the benefit of others, thereby giving hope to the world.”
Drawing from Scripture, he pointed to significant moments in the life of the Holy Family and called upon the faithful to imbibe their virtues and live them out in daily life.
Addressing the gathering, Bishop Simião Fernandes, who also served as Convenor of the Diocesan Jubilee Committee, expressed his appreciation to the committee members for their dedication and tireless service throughout the Jubilee Year. He assured them of his prayers and continued spiritual support.
The Jubilee Year in the Archdiocese, themed “Hope Does Not Disappoint Us” (Rom 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 and spiritual renewal.
During the entrance procession, the Jubilee Cross was carried by young people, while representatives of the different Jubilees presented symbolic fruits of the year and affixed them to the mango tree planted at the inauguration of the Jubilee in 2024, symbolising the spiritual fruits borne during the grace-filled year.
A video presentation highlighting the various Jubilees celebrated throughout the year was screened before the Mass. The liturgy was well coordinated, with Fr Leslie Noronha serving as 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, proposed the vote of thanks.
The Jubilee Year was formally concluded with the closing of the Jubilee Door of the Se 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 indulgence could also be gained through visits to approved holy sites and by performing works of mercy.
The conclusion of the Jubilee Year marked a moment of thanksgiving and recommitment, as the Archdiocese renewed its call to remain pilgrims of hope, steadfast in faith and service.
