Bishop Selvister Ponnumuthan
As we begin the Jubilee Year 2025, Bishop Selvister Ponnumuthan invited the faithful to journey as “pilgrims of hope.” He urged everyone to rediscover their vocation and share the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The Bishop emphasized that this shared effort will help fulfill Jesus’ vision of a united world, where all are connected by God’s love. He delivered this message during the inaugural Mass for the Jubilee Year, held on December 29, 2024, at St. Mary’s Cathedral Church in Punalur.
In his homily, Very Rev. Dr. Jacob Prasad spoke about the importance of the Jubilee Year. He described it as a holy time for opening our hearts to God’s grace and blessings. He also said that the Jubilee offers an opportunity to build a culture of love, justice, and truth—one that embraces everyone and encourages good deeds in society. Mon. Joseph Roy OFM Capp, Rev. Dr. Roy B. Simson, Rev. Dr. Christy Joseph, and Rev. Dr. Johnson Joseph concelebrated the Mass. Msgr. Sebastian Vaz, Rev. Fr. Justin Zachariah, Rev. Fr. Shinto, and Sister Lancy led the celebration with great reverence. The Mass was attended by a large congregation, including priests, religious, and laity from different parishes in the Diocese. Members of the Diocesan Pastoral Council and the Forane Council were also present. In his closing remarks, Rev. Dr. Roy B. Simson, the Chancellor of the Diocese, thanked everyone who participated in the celebration. He especially recognized the efforts of the Pastoral Council members of St. Mary’s Cathedral, Punalur, and the Associate Vicar, Rev. Fr. Vipin Martin, for their leadership in making the event a success.
This inaugural Mass marks the beginning of a year-long pilgrimage of faith, unity, and hope. It is a call to embrace the joy of God’s love and to live out the mission entrusted to each of us as members of the Christian family.
