Daltonganj: In a vibrant fusion of faith, culture, and thanksgiving, the Diocese of Daltonganj celebrated its Grand Jubilee 2025, coinciding with the traditional Tusgo Festival. The event, marked by solemnity and festivity, saw thousands of faithful coming together to honour God’s providence and the Diocese’s spiritual journey.
The highlight of the celebration was the presence of the Pope’s Ambassador to India and Nepal, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, who presided over the Eucharistic celebration. The Archbishop was joined by over 100 concelebrating priests, including Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas SFX, Archbishop Emeritus Felix Toppo, Bishop Julius Marandi, Bishop Emmanuel Kerketta, Bishop Linus Pingal Ekka, Bishop Francis Tirkey, Bishop Sonatan Kisku, and Fr. Ajit Xess, SJ, Provincial of the Ranchi Jesuits, creating a remarkable gathering of spiritual leaders.
In his homily, Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas SFX emphasized God’s unceasing care for His people, encouraging the faithful to remain steadfast in gratitude, hope, and devotion. Addressing the congregation, Archbishop Girelli congratulated Bishop Theodore and the Diocese for its remarkable strides in spiritual, educational, and social development. He highlighted the Tusgo Festival’s deeper significance as a communal moment of thanksgiving for the abundance of God’s blessings.
Following the solemn Eucharist, a grand felicitation ceremony honored the visiting bishops and dignitaries, including Mr. Bandhu Tirkey and MLA Ramchandra Singh, recognizing their contributions to the Diocese and the wider community. In keeping with the day’s significance as Gandhi Jayanti, Archbishop Girelli paid tribute to the Father of the Nation by garlanding his portrait, merging national pride with spiritual celebration.
The Jubilee drew an overwhelming crowd of over 20,000 faithful, whose spirited participation highlighted the Diocese’s vibrancy, cultural richness, and enduring commitment to faith and community growth. The celebrations stood as a living testament to the people’s unwavering trust in God’s providence and their dedication to fostering spiritual and social development across the region.
The Grand Jubilee 2025 in Daltonganj not only reinforced the Diocese’s spiritual vitality but also celebrated its deep-rooted cultural heritage, leaving an indelible impression of unity, devotion, and joyous thanksgiving.