Jabalpur: Holy Cross Church, VFJ, in Jabalpur, commemorated fifty years of faith, service, and community unity on Sunday with a solemn Thanksgiving Mass followed by a vibrant cultural programme. The Golden Jubilee celebration, marking the conclusion of the jubilee year that began on 14 September 2024, brought together parishioners, clergy, and religious to honour the church’s remarkable journey over half a century.
The Thanksgiving Mass was presided over by Dr. J. G. Valan Arasu, Bishop of Jabalpur, who served as the principal celebrant. He was joined by Arul Amalraj O. Praem, Abbot of the Norbertine Fathers, alongside a large assembly of priests, religious, and faithful. The liturgy was a moment of solemn reflection and gratitude, celebrating the church’s enduring spiritual legacy and its contributions to the community.
In preparation for the Golden Jubilee, the parish undertook extensive renovations. The redesigned altar and refurbished interiors imbued the church with renewed elegance and a serene atmosphere conducive to prayer and reflection. Administered by the Norbertine Fathers, the parish leadership expressed heartfelt gratitude for the transformation. Parish priest Fr. Bipin Kiro O. Praem lauded the generosity and active participation of parishioners, acknowledging their critical role in bringing the renewal to fruition.
Following the liturgical celebration, the Jubilee festivities continued with a lively cultural programme that showcased the talents of the parish community. Catechism students and parish youth performed a series of songs, dances, and skits, celebrating both faith and community spirit. Additionally, a special documentary tracing the church’s fifty-year history was screened, evoking nostalgia and pride among attendees as it highlighted key milestones, community initiatives, and moments of shared devotion.
The Golden Jubilee served not only as a commemoration of the church’s past achievements but also as a testament to the faith, unity, and dedication that continue to define the Holy Cross Church community. Parishioners reflected on five decades of spiritual growth and charitable service while embracing a shared hope for the church’s ongoing mission and future endeavors.
The celebration concluded with an atmosphere of joy, thanksgiving, and communal harmony, reinforcing the enduring bonds that have sustained Holy Cross Church for fifty years and promising a continued legacy of faith and service for generations to come.