English 
The Jubilee Celebration on the theme “Pilgrims of Hope” was a momentous and grace-filled event held on the 21st and 22nd of October 2025 in Hyderabad. It brought together the faithful from eight dioceses: Hyderabad, Shamshabad, Kurnool, Cuddapah, Warangal, Khammam, Nalgonda, and Adilabad at St. John’s Regional Seminary, Ramanthapur. Nearly 1,700 representatives from these dioceses gathered to celebrate the Jubilee as part of the global preparation for the Great Jubilee Year 2025, announced by Pope Francis. The Holy Father invites all believers to walk together as pilgrims of faith, hope, and renewal.
The two-day celebration was filled with deep spiritual fervor and joyful communion among clergy, religious, and laity. The highlights included solemn Eucharistic celebrations invoking God’s blessings for a renewed missionary spirit, processions and hoisting of the Jubilee flag symbolizing our collective journey of hope, and inspiring talks and testimonies that reflected on living as “Pilgrims of Hope” in today’s world. Cultural programs and youth animations showcased the unity in diversity and the richness of faith traditions across the dioceses. The moments of adoration and rosary led participants into deep reconciliation and spiritual renewal. The gathering was open and participatory, people shared their questions, doubts, and desires, voicing the realities of their local churches and the challenges of faith in contemporary times. The entire celebration beautifully echoed the words of Pope Francis: “Hope does not disappoint.” It called everyone to trust in God’s mercy and move forward with courage, peace, and fraternity.
As Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate, we embraced this opportunity to engage in missionary conscientization to make our missionary presence known among the people. We presented our congregation through brochures and displayed missionary games that helped to raise awareness about every Christian’s missionary responsibility. Through these simple yet meaningful activities, we reminded the faithful that by baptism, all are missionaries, called to proclaim Jesus to a world torn by war, wounded by violence, and longing for peace. To my surprise, many priests and religious expressed that they had very little awareness of this essential truth. It was a gentle yet powerful reminder that the Church exists to proclaim Christ, a mission sometimes forgotten by both the religious and the laity. Many visitors: men, women, youth, and children came to our stall, and these encounters became moments of grace, blessing, and renewed hope. I saw in their eyes the light of faith and the spark of missionary enthusiasm being rekindled. Personally, I felt deeply grateful for this experience. It was not just a participation in an event but a true encounter with God’s people, listening to their stories of pain and joy, sharing faith, and witnessing the hope that springs from the Gospel. During our animation, the Word of God was “scanned” and shared, inviting people to take and taste the Word of Life. Many found comfort and courage in it.
Our colourful and vibrant display of missionary presence across various countries drew the attention of the participants, making them aware of the universality of the Church and her mission beyond borders. This Jubilee celebration was indeed a moment of awakening: a call to renew our missionary commitment and to become true pilgrims of hope in today’s wounded world.
Sr. Shyla Rayappan, Secunderabad
