Old Goa: The Archdiocese of Goa and Daman solemnly concluded the Year of the Ordinary Jubilee on December 28, 2025, the Feast of the Holy Family, with a Eucharistic celebration held at the Se Cathedral, Old Goa. The Holy Mass was presided over by Bishop Simiao 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 significance of the Jubilee Year and underscored the centrality of hope in Christian life, as beautifully witnessed in the Holy Family of Nazareth. He invited the faithful to become tangible signs of hope within their families, parishes, and society at large.
Highlighting the deeper meaning of the Jubilee celebrations, Fr Sequeira said that the doors of the churches and basilicas which were opened at the inauguration of the Jubilee Year would be closed at its conclusion, but the doors of hearts must remain open, and the fruits gained should be used for the benefit of others, thus giving hope to society.
Referring to the Word of God, Fr Sequeira drew attention to various moments in the life of the Holy Family and appealed to the faithful to be living signs of hope in today’s world. He further urged them to imbibe the virtues of the Holy Family and embody these values in their daily lives.
Speaking on the occasion, Bishop Simiao Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop and Convenor of the Diocesan Jubilee Committee, appreciated the dedicated contribution of each committee member and expressed heartfelt thanks. He also assured them of his prayers and continued spiritual support.
The Jubilee Year in the Archdiocese, themed Hope Does Not Disappoint Us (Romans 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 renewal.
During the entrance procession, the Jubilee Cross was carried by young people, and representatives of the different Jubilees celebrated throughout the year brought symbolic fruits of the Jubilee and affixed them to the mango tree planted at the inauguration of the Jubilee Year in 2024, signifying the fruits borne by this grace-filled year.
A video highlighting the various Jubilees celebrated throughout the year was presented before the Mass. The liturgy was well coordinated, with Fr Leslie Noronha serving as the liturgical commentator and Fr Afonso Mendonca, 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 Year of the Ordinary Jubilee in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman concluded with the closing of the Jubilee door of the Se Cathedral.
As part of the Jubilee observance, the Archdiocese designated specific parishes and pious places where the faithful could obtain the Jubilee indulgence. The faithful were also encouraged to visit approved pious sites, and the indulgence could likewise be gained through the performance of works of mercy. The celebrations were coordinated by the Jubilee Committee under the convenorship of Bishop Simiao Fernandes.
The conclusion of the Jubilee Year marked a moment of thanksgiving and recommitment, as the Archdiocese renewed its call to remain pilgrims of hope in faith and service.
