400 Years of Grace: Jubilee Mass Opens the Quadricentennial Celebrations

Jubilee Mass – 16 October 2024

On the evening of 16th October 2024, the parish of St. Francis Xavier Church Chicalim stepped into history as it solemnly inaugurated its Quadricentennial Jubilee Year, marking the beginning of a year-long celebration leading to the completion of 400 years on 16th October 2025.

What unfolded that evening was not merely a ceremony. It was a living testimony to four centuries of Christian faith in Chicalim.

A Gathering of Faith and Gratitude

Nearly 800 parishioners, along with religious sisters, clergy from across the deanery, former parish priests, and priests from Pallotti Home, gathered for the occasion. Concelebrating the Eucharist were our Parish Priest Fr. Bolmax Fidelis Pereira and Episcopal Vicar Fr. Kenneth Teles, alongside other clergy.

The church was filled with reverence and joy. Elders who have long been pillars of the parish sat alongside youth who will carry forward its legacy.

Four centuries of faith were present in one assembly.

A Symbolic Opening: Knocking on the Door of History

The celebration began with a powerful symbolic gesture. Simião Purificação Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop, approached the main doors of the church carrying a wooden hammer. In a deeply meaningful act, he knocked on the church doors, formally ushering in the 400-year Jubilee celebrations.

This gesture echoed a spiritual truth: just as Christ knocks on the doors of our hearts, the parish now opens a new chapter in faith.

Following this, the Bishop cut a ceremonial ribbon at the church entrance, officially declaring the Jubilee Year open. Parishioners then processed into the church behind him, symbolizing a community walking together in faith.

The Solemn Jubilee Eucharist

The Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Bishop Simião, formed the spiritual heart of the evening. The liturgy was prayerful and deeply moving, marked by active participation from the faithful.

In his homily, the Bishop reflected on the parish’s enduring witness to communion, participation, and mission, themes that resonate strongly with the Church’s synodal journey.

Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, he reminded the congregation:

“Faith is like a solid rock that stands firm forever.”

He spoke of the generations who preserved the faith through sacrifice and perseverance. He also honored the parish patrons, Saint Bartholomew and Francis Xavier, as examples of missionary zeal and steadfast belief.

He emphasized that the word ecclesia means “assembly,” a people called together. Unity in families, parishes, and communities, he said, is what makes the Church a true witness to Christ.

Blessing of the Divine Mercy Room

Following the Mass, the Bishop blessed the renovated Divine Mercy Room, now enhanced with a baptismal fountain and sacred artwork depicting the Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist.

This renovation highlights the sacramental life of the parish, particularly Baptism, through which generations have entered the Christian faith within this very community.

The space now stands as a quiet sanctuary for prayer and reflection during the Jubilee Year.

The Lighting of the Jubilee Lamps

In the Divine Mercy room, lamps were lit as a symbol of faith and love that will continue throughout the Jubilee Year.

The first lamp was lit by Bishop Simião, followed by Fr. Kenneth Teles and members of the parish community. These lamps signify the enduring flame of faith that has burned in Chicalim for 400 years.

In a special Jubilee initiative, two oil lamps placed in the Divine Mercy Room will be lit daily by two families from the parish until 16 October 2025, ensuring continuous prayer throughout the year.

A Pastoral Blessing for the Faithful

Before proceeding to the inauguration of the grotto, Bishop Simião Purificação Fernandes moved through the church, blessing the gathered faithful.

Accompanied by Fr. Bolmax Pereira, he walked along the aisles sprinkling holy water upon the congregation. Parishioners bowed their heads in reverence as the Bishop paused at different sections of the church, offering prayers for families, the elderly, the youth, and all who form part of the parish community.

It was a deeply touching moment, symbolizing pastoral care and spiritual unity, as the shepherd of the diocese invoked God’s grace upon His people at the dawn of this historic Jubilee Year.

Inauguration of the Grotto of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour

Another memorable moment was the blessing of the newly constructed Grotto of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour.

The inauguration included a short prayer service and the recitation of one decade of the Rosary, with special intentions offered for the ten sectors of the Chicalim parish. This act represented the unity of the entire parish under the mantle of Our Blessed Mother.

As the prayers began, a gentle rain started to fall over the gathering. Parishioners quickly opened umbrellas, yet no one moved away. Despite the drizzle, families remained prayerfully assembled around the grotto, their voices united in the Rosary. The sight of the faithful standing together in the rain became a powerful and symbolic moment. Many later reflected that the unexpected shower felt like a blessing from above, as though heaven itself was marking the occasion.

The grotto now serves as a lasting spiritual landmark, a place of Marian devotion for generations to come.

Inauguration of the Digital Display

Following the inauguration and blessing of the Grotto of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, another important addition to the parish was blessed: a new digital display standee installed inside the church.

This screen will be used during liturgical celebrations to display the Mass responses and hymns, helping the faithful participate more actively in the Eucharist.

The blessing of this modern addition reflected the parish’s commitment to embracing helpful technology while remaining rooted in tradition. As the Jubilee Year begins, this initiative stands as a sign that while the Church honors its 400-year heritage, it also looks forward with renewed vision and purpose.

A Community United

At the conclusion of the celebration, Bishop Simião imparted a special blessing upon the faithful, a moment deeply cherished by those present.

The evening concluded with fellowship and shared joy, as parishioners gathered together in gratitude for their shared spiritual heritage.

A Year of Renewal Begins

This grand celebration marks the beginning of a sacred journey, a year of prayer, reflection, service, and unity leading to 16th October 2025.

For 400 years:

• The Eucharist has been celebrated
• Children have been baptized
• Families have been strengthened
• Faith has endured

Four centuries have passed.
The flame still burns.
The mission continues.