Society
Of The Divine Word

Jubilee of Parish Leaders - Ambassa ING

Uniting Families in Faith: The Jubilee Cross Journey in Ambassa

Ambassa (Tripura), March 2, 2025 – The Holy Spirit Catholic Church organized a one-day Training of Trainers (TOT) program for Church leaders, Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) leaders, Mothers’ Association leaders, and youth leaders. This program was planned during the Parish Council meeting in January and aimed to prepare leaders for the Christ’s Jubilee of 2025 and the 150th anniversary of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD). More than 50 participants from 18 substations attended the event. The parish priest, Fr. Ivan D’Silva, SVD, inaugurated the meeting with a prayer and a blessing of the Family Jubilee Crosses.

Mr. Prabath Marak, the convener of the Parish Jubilee Committee, informed the leaders that two crosses would travel in opposite directions across all substations, covering a total of 560 families. The substation leaders were entrusted with planning the itinerary, ensuring that each family hosted the cross for at least one day. To facilitate this spiritual journey, Mr. Marak prepared and distributed a booklet containing prayers and hymns.

Addressing the leaders, Fr. D’Silva emphasized the importance of witnessing to the light of Christ, saying: “We are pilgrims of hope for those struggling in darkness and for those who have lost faith. As leaders, you are called to be bearers of light in the substations and within families.”

Mr. Indrajit Sangma, the parish catechist, urged leaders to strengthen the Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) within their areas. He remarked: “The foundation of the Church is the family. If families are strong in faith, the parish, diocese, and the universal Church will be strengthened. This is why the Jubilee Cross will journey to all families—to reinforce our faith at its roots.”

The initiative was met with enthusiastic support from participants, who shared their thoughts:

  • “It will reunite families.”
  • “It will encourage family prayer.”
  • “It will bring peace to households.”
  • “It will strengthen the foundation of the Church.”

Church leaders committed to meticulously overseeing the itinerary of the two Jubilee Crosses, ensuring their timely movement among families. A week after the training, the parish successfully carried out two key Jubilee Year celebrations:

  • The Jubilee of Women on March 8, 2025, recognizing the invaluable role of women in the Church and their contributions to faith and community.
  • The Jubilee of Fathers on March 19, 2025, celebrating the spiritual leadership and dedication of fathers in their families and the Church.

With these significant events completed, the parish community remains committed to fostering faith, unity, and spiritual growth through ongoing initiatives.

Ivan D’Silva

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