The Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore hosted its Lenten Jubilee Pilgrimage for the Holy Year 2025 at Loyola College, Tamil Nadu, south India, on April 6.
The event, led by Archbishop George Antonysamy, brought together tens of thousands of faithful from across the Archdiocese.
Clergy, nuns, and laypeople from every parish participated in a penitential walk, braving the summer heat as they filled the streets of Chennai in a striking sea of red caps and scapulars bearing the Holy Name and Holy Face of Jesus—a powerful witness to Christ in the heart of the city.
The day began with a solemn Jubilee Cross procession from Christ the King Church to the Loyola College grounds, symbolizing the Church’s journey of faith and mission.
The pilgrimage was spiritually rich, supported by numerous priests who offered pastoral care and sacramental ministry throughout the day.
In the evening, Bishop Emeritus S. Singarayar of the Diocese of Salem led a powerful session of praise and worship. He was joined by hundreds of nuns who enhanced worship through song.
The pilgrims responded with heartfelt devotion, joyfully waving their red hats in unison—an inspiring display of faith and love for Jesus.
At 5:30 PM, Archbishop Antonysamy presided over the Holy Eucharist, concelebrated by all the priests present.
In his homily, he reflected on the symbolism of the red cap and scapular, encouraging the faithful to center their lives on the Name of Jesus.
He reminded them, “God is not far away… He is behind us all the time,” and emphasized that mercy is not a license to sin but an invitation to conversion.
The archbishop shared the story of Italian actress Sabrina Impacciatore, who experienced a powerful conversion while portraying Veronica in The Passion of the Christ.
This testimony illustrated the transforming grace of meditating on Christ’s Passion—an invitation for all pilgrims to open their hearts to renewal.
After the Mass, the faithful participated in a profound hour of meditation on the Holy Name and Holy Face of Jesus, led by Fr. Vincent Chinnadurai, Rector of Santhome Cathedral. The reflection invited the crowd into deep silence, heartfelt prayer, and sincere repentance.
The event concluded with the launch of the official Jubilee Theme Song, "Yesuve," written by Father Vincent Chinnadurai and composed by Jesuit Fr. M. A. Joe, with music by X. Paulraj and vocals by Vijay Yesudas.
The moving anthem encapsulated the spirit of the pilgrimage and left the crowd deeply inspired.
The entire event was broadcast live on Madha TV’s YouTube channel and telecast on Madha TV, allowing thousands more to join spiritually.
Dinner was served to all participants, with well-organized transport ensuring safe return journeys.
This Lenten Jubilee Pilgrimage was a powerful testimony of faith, love, and hope, echoing the universal Jubilee theme: Pilgrims of Hope. - Fr. Ritchie Vincent
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