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Pope Francis


Rev. Dr. Thomasappa Anthony Swamy

CURRENT NEWS

JUBILEE YEAR - 2025:

Diocesan Commissions News & Events

The Jubilee Year - 2025, also called the Ordinary Jubilee, will begin on December 24, 2024, with Pope opening the Door at St. Peter's Basilica. On December 29, 2024, the Holy Door at St. John Lateran, the Pope's Cathedral, will be opened. This event will be mirrored worldwide, with Bishops leading similar celebrations in Cathedrals across the globe to mark the official opening of the Jubilee Year. Hence, the same event will take place in our Diocese on 29.12.2024, at St Joseph's Cathedral at 8.30 a.m. Bishop, holding the Jubilee Cross and leading the gathering with a solemn procession to the doors of the Cathedral and entering the doors which symbolize Christ as the "Door of Salvation." I request all the Clergy from across the diocese to offer mass in their respective parishes and take part in this significant liturgical and symbolic event.


The Inauguration of Jubilee 2025
The Diocese of Chikmagalur joyously marked the inauguration of Jubilee 2025 with a solemn and faith-filled ceremony held at St. Joseph's Cathedral, on Sunday, 29-12-2024. The grand occasion began with a procession bringing the Jubilee Cross from St. Joseph's Convent to the Cathedral. Faithful from all walks of life, including clergy, religious, and laity, participated in the procession, carrying the Cross with devotion and reverence, symbolizing unity and renewal in Christ. Upon the arrival of the procession at the Cathedral, Most Rev. Dr. T. Anthony Swamy, Bishop of Chikmagalur, inaugurated the Jubilee by ceremoniously opening the door of the Cathedral. This symbolic act was met with great jubilation and marked the beginning of the Jubilee Year, a time of grace, reflection, and spiritual renewal for the diocese. Following this, the banner of the Jubilee which contained the logo of Jubilee 2025 was unveiled, adding to the joy and significance of the event. The unveiling of the banner symbolized the official commencement of the Jubilee celebrations, inspiring the faithful to actively participate in the journey of faith.

APPOINTMENTS AND TRANSFERS : 2024

Diocese of Chikmagalur Offers Solemn Tribute to Pope Francis
A solemn Requiem Mass was offered for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis on 25th April 2025 at 3:30 PM at St. Joseph's Cathedral, Chikmagalur. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Most Rev. Dr. T. Antony Swamy, Bishop of Chikmagalur. The Mass was attended by a large number of priests, religious, and faithful from across the Diocese of Chikmagalur, who came together in prayerful remembrance of the Holy Father. During the homily, Bishop Antony Swamy spoke movingly about the goodness, humility, and tireless service of Pope Francis to the Universal Church. He highlighted the Pope's deep love for the poor, his commitment to peace, and his efforts to bring the light of Christ to all corners of the world. Rev. Fr. David Prakash delivered the obituary, reflecting on the significant milestones of Pope Francis' pontificate and his lasting influence on the life of the Church. Following the Eucharistic celebration, the Bishop, along with the Vicar General and the Deans of the Diocese, offered floral tributes before the photograph of Pope Francis, expressing their deep respect and heartfelt gratitude. The atmosphere was one of deep prayer, gratitude, and mourning, as the Diocese united in offering their love and prayers for the eternal repose of the beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis.

Pope Francis Passes away at 88, Vatican Confirms
Apr 21: Pope Francis, the first pontiff from Latin America and a transformative figure in the modern Roman Catholic Church, passed away on Monday, April 21 at the age of 88, the Vatican has announced. A statement released by Cardinal Kevin Farrell via the Vatican's official Telegram channel confirmed the news, saying, "This morning at 7:35 am (0535 GMT), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father." The Argentine-born Pope had led the Catholic Church for over 12 years, during which he became known for his progressive views on climate change, poverty, interfaith dialogue, and inclusivity within the Church. His papacy was also marked by frequent health challenges in his later years. Just a day earlier, during his Easter Sunday appearance, Pope Francis made a passionate call for religious freedom, tolerance, and peace. Addressing a crowd of more than 35,000 from the balcony of St Peter's Basilica, he offered his Easter greetings before delegating the reading of the traditional Urbi et Orbi ("To the City and the World") blessing to an aide. In the message, he stressed the importance of freedom of religion, thought, and expression, calling them essential for global peace. He also raised concerns over rising anti-Semitism and expressed sorrow over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, describing it as "dramatic and deplorable." Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, made history in 2013 when he became the first Jesuit pope and the first non-European to hold the papacy in over 1,200 years. His leadership saw a renewed focus on humility, social justice, and outreach to the marginalised.

The 69th Annual Feast of Sacred Heart Church, Basrikatte
A Solemn Tribute to the Late Holy Father, Pope Francis0
The 69th Annual Feast of Sacred Heart Church, Basrikatte, was celebrated on 23 April 2025 with deep spiritual solemnity. In light of the recent passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, the celebration was respectfully limited to spiritual observances as a heartfelt tribute to the beloved Holy Father. The day began with the Reception of the Jubilee Cross at the Basrikatte Circle. In a heartening display of unity, members of other faith communities also joined in offering prayers for the repose of the Holy Father's soul. The faithful of Sacred Heart Church, Basrikatte, together with clergy and lay faithful, solemnly processed toward the church premises, carrying banners and posters of Pope Francis, and holding lit candles in remembrance of the Holy Father, along with the Jubilee Cross and the statue of the Sacred Heart. At the church portico, in a moving gesture of reverence, the faithful offered flowers before a portrait of Pope Francis, honouring his life and legacy of love, humility, and service to the Church. The Feast Mass was celebrated with profound devotion by Rev. Fr. Deepak Joseph, SMM, and concelebrated by 20 priests from across the diocese. Although external festivities were curtailed, the spiritual atmosphere was deeply enriching, filled with prayer, reflection, and unity.

Spiritul Renewal: Chrism Mass in the Diocese of Chikmagalur
The Chikmagalur Diocese recently held a deeply meaningful Chrism Mass, bringing together priests, religious sisters and brothers, and faithful members from across the region. Bishop Rt Rev. Dr T. Anthonyswamy led the beautiful ceremony, which highlighted the unity of the Church and the importance of its sacred rituals. A central part of the Mass was the blessing of the Holy Oils: the Oil of the Sick, used for healing; the Oil of Catechumens, used for those preparing for baptism; and the Sacred Chrism, used for baptism, confirmation, and ordination. These oils symbolize Christ's power to heal, strengthen, and make holy. The priests also reaffirmed their commitment to serving God and the community. In his homily, Bishop Anthonyswamy spoke about the shared calling of all who serve within the Church. He emphasized that despite differences in age or background, they are all united in Christ's priesthood. He explained that the day was not just about blessing oils, but also about celebrating their shared mission to serve as shepherds in Christ's image. Adding to the celebration, Rev. Fr. Adarsh, Secretary of the Bible Commission, announced the results of the diocese-wide Bible drawing competition, held in January.

A Sacred Pause: Priests Prepare Their Hearts Ahead of the Chrism Mass
A spiritual recollection for the priests of the Diocese of Chikmagalur was held on 14th April 2025, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The recollection was a moment of grace and renewal, thoughtfully organized in preparation for the Chrism Mass. The sessions were preached by Rev. Fr. John, a Carmelite priest, who offered two enriching talks in the morning. Centered around the theme "Priests Who Are One in Heart", Fr. John guided the priests through a profound spiritual journey with the sub-themes: Return to the Original Home - A Jubilee Year Reflection, Rediscovering our Identity, Purpose, and Project of Life, Christian Identity Before Priesthood, Dangers of a Diluted Priesthood, Remedy and Renewal: Spiritual Communion, Mystical Encounter, and Becoming Prophets of Love. Following the talks, Fr. John led the priests in Eucharistic Adoration, creating a reflective atmosphere that prepared them for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In the afternoon, the priests made their confessions and received sacramental absolution and blessing, marking a moment of personal spiritual renewal.

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