New Delhi:The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) is holding the national celebration of the Ecumenical Jubilee 2025 today in New Delhi, marking the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea and the proclamation of the Nicene Creed. The celebrations, themed “Pilgrims of Hope,” are set to highlight Christian unity and the enduring significance of the Nicene faith in the modern world.
The day began with an ecumenical gathering at the CBCI headquarters, bringing together leaders and representatives from various Christian denominations. The event emphasized the importance of cooperation among Christian communities and their collective mission to bear witness to faith and reconciliation in contemporary society.
Later in the evening, a solemn Eucharistic celebration will be held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, presided over by Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli. The Mass, beginning at 6:30 p.m., will include the participation of Cardinals, Major Archbishops, Archbishops, Bishops, priests, and thousands of faithful from across India, including members from the Archdiocese of Delhi, the Archdiocese of Faridabad, and the Diocese of Gurgaon.
In connection with the Jubilee, the CBCI Standing Committee convened a meeting under the leadership of CBCI President Archbishop Andrews Thazhath. Around 50 representatives, including Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil of the Syro-Malabar Church and other senior Church leaders, are participating in sessions reflecting on the life, mission, and contemporary challenges facing the Church in India.
The celebrations serve as a visible witness to the unity of the Catholic Church across its diverse rites while reaffirming the Christian community’s mission to promote peace, reconciliation, and nation-building. Church leaders also emphasized the continued relevance of the Nicene Creed in uniting Christians across centuries and cultures.
CBCI expressed gratitude to clergy, religious members, lay leaders, benefactors, and volunteers whose dedicated efforts have made the historic celebration possible.