The Jubilee Year, a special time
of grace and renewal for the Catholic Church, was inaugurated by Pope Francis
on 24th December 2024 with the solemn opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s
Basilica in Rome. This sacred year, which will conclude on 6th January 2026,
the Feast of the Epiphany, invites all the faithful to deepen their
relationship with God through prayer, repentance, and works of mercy. To allow
participation by Catholics around the world, many diocesan bishops have
designated specific pilgrimage sites or “pilgrim churches” within their
dioceses. These sacred places symbolize the Holy Door in Rome, enabling the
faithful to make a local pilgrimage, pray, receive the sacraments, and obtain
special graces, including the plenary indulgence, during the Jubilee.
In this spirit, on 21st October
2025, the Don Bosco community Silchar, together with the young students from
the school, undertook a meaningful pilgrimage to Badarpur Parish, one of the
pilgrimage sites designated by the Diocese of Aizawl. This journey represented
a symbolic act of faith, connecting the local community to the universal Church
and the Holy Father’s call to spiritual renewal. The pilgrims participated
devoutly in various spiritual exercises, including adoration of the Blessed
Sacrament, confession, and the celebration of the Holy Mass, which formed the
heart of the pilgrimage experience. Throughout the journey, hymns, prayers, and
moments of reflection strengthened their faith and sense of unity. The entire
experience was deeply enriching and spiritually uplifting, as the community
encountered the Lord through the sacraments and rediscovered the joy of walking
together in faith. The pilgrimage to Badarpur Parish not only brought blessings
and grace but also inspired all participants to continue living the spirit of
the Jubilee with renewed hope, love, and commitment to God.