Bengaluru, January 7, 2024: In anticipation of the upcoming Ordinary Jubilee Year 2025, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Bangalore, inaugurated the Year of Prayer in the Archdiocese of Bangalore during a solemn Holy Eucharist on the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord at St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral in Cleveland Town.
At the commencement of the Eucharist, Archbishop Machado, along with the Vicars General, unveiled the logo of the Year of Prayer, followed by the lighting of lamps, and declared 2024 as the Year of Prayer in the Archdiocese of Bangalore.
In his homily, Archbishop Machado urged the faithful to offer themselves to God to experience His personal revelation in their lives. He emphasized that the three wise men were favoured by God not because of the gifts they brought, but because they submitted themselves to the Holy Child in the manger of Bethlehem.
Speaking about the preparations for the Ordinary Jubilee Year of the Church, Archbishop Machado highlighted that the Jubilee is a reminder of God’s presence among us. He encouraged the people to be in unison with God through prayer, especially during this Year of Prayer.
Before delivering the final blessing, Archbishop Machado recited the Jubilee Prayer. Rev. Fr. D. Arokiaswamy, the Rector and Parish Priest of St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, expressed gratitude to Archbishop Peter Machado and the Vicars General, Msgr. S. Jayanathan and Msgr. C. Francis, for their support and encouragement.