Rajabari: St. Francis of Assisi Church in Rajabari, under the Diocese of Dibrugarh, came alive with joy and devotion as it celebrated the “Jubilee of Hope” on 12 October, uniting nearly 100 children from twelve village communities along with catechists and about 300 parishioners. The parish festival emphasized faith, forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life, creating a spiritually enriching experience for the young and the entire community.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Fr. William Horo, Rector of St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary, who led the congregation in prayer and reflection. The parish priest, Fr. Caesar Henry, warmly welcomed all attendees, noting, “Responding to the call of Pope Leo XIV to celebrate the Jubilee of Hope for all sections of the faithful, we have been observing the jubilee in our parish since the beginning of this year. Today, we gather to honor our children’s Jubilee.”
The celebration began with a vibrant cultural procession, where children from each village carried crosses to the altar, symbolizing unity, faith, and shared devotion. The procession set a festive and reverent tone for the day’s events, highlighting the participation of the younger members of the parish in expressing their spiritual commitment.
During his homily, Fr. Horo reflected on the “Prayer of Hope,” emphasizing the themes of forgiveness and eternal life. He explained, “As we proclaim in the prayer, God, through the passion of His Son Jesus Christ, grants us forgiveness in this life and ensures hope for eternal life to come.” Drawing on Gospel teachings, he illustrated the concepts of mortal and venial sins through the examples of the ostracized ten lepers and Naaman, the un-ostracized leper, highlighting that all sins, including original sin, are forgiven through baptism and the sacrament of confession.
In addition to the liturgical celebrations, the parish organized a Marian quiz to deepen the children’s devotion during the Holy Rosary month. The quiz, conducted by Mr. Bipul Hans and the Ursuline Sisters of Tildonk, tested the young participants’ knowledge of the life of Mary and her role in the Catholic faith. Fr. Horo personally awarded prizes to the winners, encouraging the children to continue nurturing their faith and devotion.
The Jubilee of Hope at St. Francis of Assisi Church served as a vibrant reminder of the parish’s commitment to fostering spiritual growth among children, promoting unity among communities, and celebrating the enduring promise of God’s forgiveness and grace.