Media Release

Mangaluru, Dec 28: The Diocese of Mangalore officially brought the ‘Jubilee Year of Hope 2025’ to a solemn close on Sunday, December 28, at Our Lady of Holy Rosary Cathedral, Rosario. The ceremony, held on the Feast of the Holy Family, marked the culmination of a year-long spiritual journey for the Catholic community.

Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangalore, presided over the stational Mass. He was joined by concelebrants vicar general Maxim L Noronha, episcopal vicar for religious Fr Daniel Veigas OP, judicial vicar and coordinator of pastoral commissions Fr Naveen Pinto, parish priest of Rosario Cathedral Fr Valerian D'Souza, director of pastoral centre Fr Santhosh Rodrigues, vicar forane of Pezar Fr Rudolf Ravi D'Sa, director of CCC Fr Anil Ivan Fernandes, director of St Antony Ashram Fr J B Crasta, Fr Valerian Fernandes, and Fr Jason Lobo.

Following the special Jubilee rites, the celebration highlighted several key symbolic elements. The decorated Jubilee Cross, which had been placed near the altar throughout the year, served as the central symbol of the concluding rite. The faithful offered special intercessory prayers reflecting the year’s spiritual journey, praying for the Church and the world. In the spirit of the Jubilee, offerings included contributions for the poor, symbolising charity and solidarity. The faithful also received Holy Communion under both kinds, signifying the fullness of the Eucharistic banquet.

After the post-communion prayer, the bishop led the congregation in the Te Deum, expressing gratitude for the graces and indulgences received during the Jubilee Year.

In his homily, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha said that while the ritual year has concluded, the mission of hope must continue. “The Jubilee Year of Hope is closed, but hope itself continues. Our faith leads us to remain hopeful,” he said. He urged families to mirror the Holy Family of Nazareth by practising compassion, kindness, humility and patience.

The bishop noted that the Jubilee Year was a period of immense grace, with eight designated shrines in the diocese serving as centres for indulgence. The ceremony concluded with a solemn blessing and a dismissal drawn from the first letter of Peter, calling upon the faithful to be ready to give an account of the hope within them.