Bangladesh: Diocese of Rajshahi marks Jubilee Year with 'Pilgrimage of Hope' celebration

The Diocese of Rajshahi in Bangladesh celebrated the Jubilee Year with the theme 'Pilgrimage of Hope' at Andharkotha Parish on March 15.

The event, which took place at the Vicariate level, was attended by Bishop Gervas Rozario, priests, nuns, religious brothers, and about 200 laypeople. 

Father Bishwanath Marandi, the convenor of the Mid Vicariate, inaugurated the Jubilee Year with a special ceremony.

Father Marandi explained that the Jubilee Year would unfold in two parts. The Andharkotha Parish hosted the celebration's first part. Christian faith in the region began there.

He also mentioned that the second part of the celebration would conclude at Nabai Battala Parish, a significant religious pilgrimage in the Rajshahi diocese.

He emphasized the importance of celebrating the Jubilee Year properly in every parish of the diocese.

Since 1300, the Church has celebrated Jubilee every 25 years. PPope Boniface VIII established the Jubilee Year in 1300 as a time of forgiveness and spiritual renewal, although there are exceptions for extraordinary Jubilees.

Pope Francis proclaimed the Jubilee Year 2025 as a special holy year in the Catholic Church, beginning on Christmas 2024 and ending on January 6, 2026. It emphasizes spiritual renewal, forgiveness, and pilgrimage.

Therefore, people view it as a period of spiritual renewal, a time for introspection, prayer, and the pursuit of a deeper connection to faith.

Bishop Rozario, in his address, highlighted the theme of the Jubilee Year, chosen by Pope Francis as the "Pilgrimage of Hope."

The prelate reflected on the meaning of hope, stating, "We live every day with hope. Despite the challenges and crises in life, there is an ultimate hope—reunion with God in heaven."

He encouraged everyone to evaluate their lives, show compassion, and forgive others during the Jubilee Year.

"Let us be compassionate toward others, forgive all debts, and evaluate ourselves," said Bishop Rozario.

Father Paul Gomes, director of Banani Holy Spirit Major Seminary, shared his thoughts, emphasizing, "We are constantly on pilgrimage" and that hope is a divine virtue that strengthens the future."

Referencing philosopher Aristotle, he noted that hope provides the courage to face life's problems and unites people in a fraternity. "The Pilgrimage of Hope unites us in a fraternity," said Gomes.

The event was also marked by personal reflections. A participant named Francis Saren shared how the Jubilee Year reminded him of the Jubilee Year of 2000 and called him to grow in reconciliation, unity, love, and faith.

Sister Costantina Roy expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to encounter Jesus during this Jubilee Year. "I am very fortunate in my old age because I can meet Jesus in this Jubilee Year. May I become a person of hope and instill hope in others."

The opening ceremonies included a series of spiritual rituals, such as silent meditation, the Reformation of the Confession, the Stations of the Cross, a procession, the recitation of the Jubilee Prayer, and the unveiling of the Jubilee Memorial.

The event served as a reminder of the importance of faith, hope, and unity within the Rajshahi diocese's Christian community.

The celebration of the Jubilee Year not only marked a significant milestone in the diocese’s history but also renewed the faith and hope of those who participated, strengthening the spiritual bond within the community.