Old Goa
The Jubilee 2025, also known as the Holy Year, was solemnly inaugurated in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman on Sunday, through a special Eucharistic celebration at Old Goa. This marks the local commencement of the Jubilee Year, which Pope Francis officially inaugurated in Rome on December 24, 2024, to be celebrated globally throughout 2025.
The Solemn Opening of the Jubilee in Old Goa was presided over by Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao at 3:30 pm, alongside Auxiliary Bishop Simiao Fernandes, priests, and the lay faithful. The Eucharistic celebration was preceded by a short preparatory service at 3:00 pm, which explained the significance of the Jubilee and the meaning of its official logo, setting a reflective tone for the year ahead.
In his homily, Auxiliary Bishop Simiao Fernandes called on the faithful to become “pilgrims of hope” in union with Christ. He encouraged families to nurture hope and love among themselves, making these virtues the foundation of their lives.
A special Jubilee Cross was blessed during the celebration and will remain at Se Cathedral, Old Goa, as a symbol of the Holy Year. The Jubilee also serves as a time for penance, renewal, and gaining indulgences. Catholics in the Archdiocese can gain indulgences by visiting specific churches or shrines, including St. Jerome’s Church in Mapusa, Se Cathedral in Old Goa, Holy Spirit Church in Margao, and other designated locations, or by performing acts of mercy.
In his address, Cardinal Ferrao expressed his hope that the Jubilee Year would bring spiritual growth and unity to families, small Christian communities, parishes, and society at large.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Fr. Leo Fernandes, who acknowledged the efforts of everyone involved in planning and preparing resources for the Jubilee celebrations in the Archdiocese.
