Jubilee Year 2025 - Pilgrims of Hope
The Diocese of Badulla is excited to join the global Catholic Church in celebrating the Jubilee Year 2025, a time of spiritual renewal, reflection, and unity. The theme for this Jubilee, "Pilgrims of Hope," calls on the faithful to journey together in faith, rediscovering hope, mercy, and reconciliation.
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Pope Francis will inaugurate the Jubilee Year with the solemn opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica on December 24, 2024—Christmas Eve. This sacred act symbolizes the beginning of a year dedicated to divine grace and spiritual growth. The Jubilee observance will continue with the opening of doors at the four Major Basilicas in Rome and a fifth Holy Door at the Rebibbia prison on December 26, 2024.
Declaration of the Jubilee 2025 in the Diocese of Badulla
On January 5, 2025, His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Jude N. Silva, Bishop of Badulla, will solemnly declare the Jubilee 2025 in the Diocese of Badulla. This momentous occasion will be marked by the ceremonial opening of six Holy Doors across the diocese. The event calls the faithful to embark on a profound spiritual journey of renewal, grace, and hope with God.
Holy Doors in the Diocese of Badulla
5 Holy Doors to be opened on Sunday, January 5, 2025
Badulla Deanery
01. St. Mary's Cathedral, Badulla
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Bandarawela Deanery
02. St. Anthony's Shrine, Bandarawela
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03. Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Glenanore, Idalgashinna Parish
Monaragala Deanery
04. St. Anthony's Church, Monaragala
05. St. Anthony's Church, Ulhitiya, Mahiyanganaya
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The 6th Holy Door:
To be opened on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at St. Joseph Vaz Church, Namunukula Parish, Ballaketuwa (Badulla Deanery).
Local Celebrations in the
Diocese of Badulla
In the Diocese of Badulla, the Jubilee Year 2025 was solemnly inaugurated by Bishop Jude N. Silva on January 5th with the opening of the first Holy Door at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Badulla. This momentous occasion marks the beginning of a year-long spiritual journey for the faithful in the diocese, inviting everyone to deepen their faith, seek reconciliation, and renew their commitment to Christ.
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In line with this global celebration, the Diocese of Badulla encourages all faithful to embark on this pilgrimage of hope, fostering acts of charity, forgiveness, and service within their communities. Together, we pray for peace, healing, and deeper faith as we walk toward a future illuminated by God’s grace.
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Let us prepare our hearts and lives for this extraordinary year of grace, embracing the call to be Pilgrims of Hope in our daily journey of faith.
Jubilee Year 2025 Committee
Rev. Fr. Priyalal Cooray
Vicar General
Parish Priest, Christ The King Church, Diyatalawa
Rev. Fr. Modustus Fernando
Episcopal Vicar for Education
Rector, St. Eymard's Minor Seminary, Harwordan
Rev. Fr. Mervyn Sudarshan
Episcopal Vicar for Estates
Parish Priest, St. Paul The Hermit Church, Haputale
Rev. Fr. B. Balanadan
Director, Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS)
Parish Priest, St. Joseph Vaz Church, Namunukula