Media Release

Shivamogga, Dec 29: The closing ceremony of the jubilee year 2025 was solemnly and prayerfully celebrated at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shimoga, marking a significant moment of thanksgiving and renewed commitment for the diocese on December 28.

The celebration began with the Holy Eucharist, reverently presided over by the Apostolic Administrator, Rt bishop Dumning Dias. The liturgy was marked by deep devotion and active participation of the clergy, religious, and the faithful. In a special gesture highlighting the richness of the Eucharistic celebration, Holy Communion was distributed in both the species, enabling the faithful to participate more fully in the sacred mystery.

After the post-communion prayer, the bishop led the assembly in a special prayer of thanksgiving, invoking God’s abundant blessings for all the graces received during the jubilee year. This moment of gratitude was beautifully accompanied by the Thanksgiving Hymn “?????????????, ??????? ?????”, which uplifted the hearts of all present.

Subsequently, the Bishop offered a solemn prayer and officially declared the Jubilee Year 2025 closed, thanking God for the spiritual fruits borne during the year.

Thereafter, the significant highlight of the program, was reading of the official decree, by Rev. Msgr Stany D'Souza, of the Vision Document – 2033 named Dream Journey-2033, in the Foot Steps of Christ, outlining the long-term, forthcoming eight years of pastoral direction and mission of the diocese. Thereafter, the Decree for the Year of the MARGINALIZED - 2026 was read, and the Logo of the Year of the Marginalized was solemnly unveiled by bishop Duming Dias, accompanied by delegate Msgr Stany D'Souza, chancellor Fr Stephen Albuquerque, judicial vicar Fr Bijju Thomas, representatives of Religious Sisters, Adults, Youth, & Children symbolizing the diocese’s preferential option for the poor and the excluded.

The bishop then led the assembly in a special prayer for the Year of the Marginalized, seeking God’s grace to respond compassionately and courageously to the needs of the vulnerable sections of society. This was followed by the release of the Year Plan – 2026, presenting concrete pastoral initiatives and programmes for the coming year.

The celebration concluded with the vote of thanks and other announcements, acknowledging the contributions of all who worked tirelessly to make the Jubilee Year and its closing ceremony meaningful and fruitful especially Dr Simon Pinto, the co-ordinator of all commissions who edited the vision document & year plan, Fr Nelson D'Souza, the liturgy director.

Finally, the bishop imparted a special solemn blessing, sending forth the faithful with renewed faith, hope, and commitment to live the Gospel in their daily lives.

The closing of the jubilee year 2025 thus became a moment of profound gratitude, reflection, and renewed missionary zeal for the entire diocesan community.