Amman: In a profound expression of faith, gratitude, and renewal, twenty-four jubilarian priests from dioceses across India have embarked on a spiritual pilgrimage to the Holy Land, journeying through the sacred landscapes of salvation history. Organised by the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) through its Commission for Vocation, Seminaries, Clergy, and Religious (VSCR), the pilgrimage from October 11 to 21, 2025 is both a celebration of priestly milestones and a deep encounter with the living presence of Christ.
A Journey Rooted in Thanksgiving and Renewal
The sacred journey follows a week-long annual retreat held in Bangalore from October 3 to 10, preached by Fr. Lawrence, OFM Cap, Definitor General of the Capuchin Order. The retreat, rich in spiritual reflection, invited the priests to contemplate the essence of their vocation their call to holiness, service, and intimacy with Christ. It set a tone of prayerful preparation, urging each priest to rekindle the flame of their pastoral mission before setting foot on the soil that witnessed the mysteries of salvation.
Beginning at Mount Nebo: A Call to Faithful Leadership
The pilgrimage commenced at Mount Nebo in Jordan, the hallowed place where Moses glimpsed the Promised Land before his earthly journey ended. Here, Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI and member of the pilgrimage group, presided over the Holy Eucharist.
In his moving homily, Fr. Alathara invited his brother priests to embody the spirit of Moses faithful shepherds who lead God’s people with courage and perseverance. “As Moses led Israel to the threshold of the Promised Land, so too are priests called to guide souls toward the eternal promise,” he said. “Our priesthood is a pilgrimage a continuous movement toward deeper communion with Christ and His people.”
Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus
Over the following days, the pilgrimage will take the priests through the sacred towns of Nazareth, Bethlehem, Galilee, Mount Tabor, and Jerusalem each location offering an opportunity to meditate on the mysteries of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.
At Nazareth, they will reflect on Mary’s fiat and the humble beginnings of salvation. In Bethlehem, they will celebrate the wonder of the Incarnation. At the Sea of Galilee, they will recall Jesus’ call to the apostles a reminder of their own calling to “leave everything and follow Him.” On Mount Tabor, they will contemplate the Transfiguration, the revelation of divine glory that strengthens every disciple in times of trial.
Each site is a moment of grace a call to rediscover the joy, humility, and zeal that define the priestly vocation. Through shared prayer, fraternity, and reflection, the priests renew their spiritual identity as servants of Christ’s mission.
Pilgrimage in the Jubilee Year 2025: A Time of Grace and Renewal
This Holy Land journey carries special significance as it unfolds during the Jubilee Year 2025, a time proclaimed by Pope Francis as one of “Hope Does Not Disappoint.” It is a year dedicated to forgiveness, reconciliation, and renewal for the universal Church.
For the participating priests celebrating their Silver (25 years), Ruby (40 years), and Golden (50 years) jubilees this pilgrimage is more than a journey; it is a heartfelt offering of gratitude for God’s abiding love and faithfulness through decades of ministry. “This pilgrimage is our thanksgiving Mass in motion,” said one participant. “Each step we take is a prayer of gratitude for the grace that has sustained us.”
Commitment at the Tomb of Christ
A spiritual highlight of the pilgrimage will be the Eucharistic celebration at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, the holiest site in Christendom. Here, at the tomb of the Risen Lord, the priests will renew their priestly promises and consecrate themselves to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
In this solemn act, they will express gratitude for their vocation and recommit themselves to serving the Church with renewed fervour. It is a moment symbolizing not only personal renewal but also a collective affirmation of faith a declaration that the priesthood remains a vital witness to God’s enduring mercy in today’s world.
Faith, Mission, and Continuity
The pilgrimage will conclude on October 21, 2025, with Holy Mass at Abu Serga Church in Cairo, Egypt revered as the resting place of the Holy Family during their flight into Egypt. The closing celebration will symbolize faith’s continuity and the unbroken thread of mission that binds every generation of disciples.
The group is being led by Rev. Dr. Charles Leon, Executive Secretary of the CCBI Commission for VSCR, alongside Jevin Fernando, who are coordinating the journey across the Holy Land. Their leadership ensures that this pilgrimage remains both spiritually enriching and pastorally transformative.
A Testament of Faith and Brotherhood
Through this pilgrimage, the CCBI’s VSCR Commission once again highlights its mission to nurture the spiritual vitality of priests helping them remain rooted in prayer, fraternity, and pastoral zeal amid the challenges of modern ministry.
As the Indian jubilarian priests tread the ancient paths of prophets and apostles, they carry with them not only memories of years of service but also a renewed commitment to walk closely with Christ, serve His people with love, and preach His Gospel with joy.
Their journey from Mount Nebo to Jerusalem, and from Bethlehem to Cairo becomes a living testament that every priestly life, when lived in faith, is itself a pilgrimage toward the heart of God.