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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

St Joseph's Church, Hirebile Celebrates 82nd Annual Parochial Feast
St Joseph's Church, Hirebile, joyfully celebrated its 82nd Annual Parochial Feast on May 1st, coinciding with International Labour Day. Fittingly, the church is dedicated to St Joseph the Worker, the patron saint of workers. In spiritual preparation for the feast, a nine-day Novena was held in honour of St Joseph, invoking his intercession for the well-being of both the parishioners and the Universal Church. Each day of the Novena included special prayers for various intentions, fostering a spirit of devotion and unity within the community. On April 30th, the eve of the feast, a grand finale celebration was held. The Holy Mass was solemnly offered by Fr Patrick Jones, followed by the distribution of blessed candles to devotees and donors. This was succeeded by a grand car procession, during which the statue of St Joseph the Worker was reverently carried through the streets of the village. Over 400 devotees participated in this vibrant and prayerful event. Following the procession, Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament was held, giving thanks to God for His blessings. The celebration concluded with an Agape meal shared among the faithful, fostering fellowship and joy. On the Feast Day, May 1st, the Solemn Festal Mass was offered by Fr Peter Brank, who delivered an inspiring homily on the theme "Pilgrims of Hope." The feast was marked by deep spiritual fervour, community participation, and gratitude for the legacy of faith handed down through generations.

EPHPHATHA 2025: Lighting the Path of Faith for Tomorrow’s Church
The Ephphatha Camp was successfully conducted from 23rd to 25th April 2025 at Balehonnur for the 6th and 7th standard children from various parishes under the Balehonnur Deanery. A total of 110 children actively participated in this spiritually enriching event, which aimed to impart liturgical awareness, strengthen moral values, and deepen the spiritual foundation of young participants through faith-based learning and fellowship. The camp was organized under the leadership of Fr Supreeth Menezes, Secretary of the Diocesan Liturgy Commission, and Fr Vincent Marcel Pinto, Joint Secretary. They were ably supported by Fr Keerthi Kiran, Fr Paul D'Souza, Fr William Periera, Fr Anil Lobo, and Sr Veena, who all played significant roles in engaging and instructing the children. Over the course of three days, the camp covered a wide range of spiritual and liturgical topics through interactive sessions, group discussions, activities, and prayer moments.

Formed to Serve: A Liturgical Training Camp for Altar Servers
The Liturgy Commission, in collaboration with the Social Communication Commission of the Diocese of Chikmagalur, conducted a one-day Altar Servers' Camp on 22nd April 2025 at Holy Family Church, Sundekere. This camp was specially organized for altar servers from six parishes: Arehalli, Sakaleshpura, Matasagara, Fatimapura, Belur, and Sundekere, with a total of 45 children participating.
The main objective of the camp was to educate young altar servers about the sacredness of their ministry, deepen their understanding of the Holy Mass, and strengthen their commitment to serving at the altar with devotion and discipline.
The sessions were led by Fr Supreeth Menezes, Secretary of the Liturgy Commission of the Diocese. He taught the children several key topics, including:
• The importance of the altar server's role in the liturgy
• The meaning and structure of the Holy Mass
• The discipline and behaviour expected at the altar
• The significance of postures and gestures used during the liturgy
• The names and purposes of religious articles used in the celebration of the Mass
• The value of full, active, and conscious participation in the liturgy

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.

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