Jubilee Year Celebration Held at St. John’s Regional Seminary, Hyderabad

Hyderabad, October 22, 2025 – The Jubilee Convention at Kristu Jayanti 2025, themed “Hope Will Never Disappoint Us”, brought together approximately 1,600 faithful from the dioceses of the Hyderabad Ecclesiastical Province at St. John’s Regional Seminary, Ramanthapur. The event, held on 21 October, marked the Jubilee Year proclaimed by Pope Francis, drawing seminarians, priests, religious, and lay representatives for a day of spiritual reflection, learning, and renewal. 

The solemn mass was concelebrated by Cardinal Poola Anthony, Archbishop of Hyderabad and President of TCBC, who highlighted the significance of the Jubilee Year and the Kristu Jayanti festivals for all participants. Fr. K. Marreddy, Rector of St. John’s Regional Seminary, welcomed attendees and set a tone of fraternity and openness to the movement of the Spirit. 

Offering a reflection on the Jubilee Logo, Fr. Allam Prasanth explained the symbolism of the four figures embracing in hope, the bent cross representing Christ’s mercy, and the waves signifying the journey of faith. Drawing inspiration from the Book of Leviticus and Pope Francis’ vision, he invited participants to view the Jubilee as a pilgrimage of hope and spiritual renewal. 

Fr. Joji Babu, professor at St. John’s Regional Seminary, reflected on the hopes and aspirations of the Church, emphasising the need to rekindle faith, strengthen hope, and foster synodality—the Church’s journey of communion, participation, and mission. Drawing on Lumen Gentium and the writings of St. Augustine, he reminded participants that the Church must be both a listening and teaching community. 

Presenting the future goals of the Telugu Church, Fr. B. Samson, canon law professor, recalled its early missionary zeal. He called for renewed commitment to education, inclusivity, and the rejection of social divisions, echoing Pope Francis’ reminder that “the Church is for all.” 

Fr. Adagatla Joseph highlighted the family as the first Church and the essential role of Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) in nurturing faith. He encouraged inclusive parishes that promote interfaith harmony and social engagement. Msgr. Vijay Paul Reddy, Administrator of Warangal, moderated a discussion on parish vitality and administration. 

Elaborating on the roles of Pastoral and Financial Councils, Fr. Mallavarapu Sundhar, stressed transparency, accountability, and that all parish activities must serve the ultimate mission of the Church—the salvation of souls. 

In his concluding address, Fr. Surepalli Issac urged participants to build self-reliant and vibrant parishes, transform hearts, practise generosity, and actively participate in parish life. “A Church with only spectators is a dead Church,” he said, inspiring the faithful to embrace responsibility and mission. 

Practical recommendations shared included promoting financial transparency and accountability, encouraging tithing and parish-based stewardship, supporting educational initiatives, adopting and assisting poor villages, and extending support to priests and pastoral ministries.

By Fr. Raju Alex 

TCBC Deputy Secretary 

Secunderabad