A Year-Long Celebration of Eucharistic Mission

The Diamond Jubilee of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament in India was a momentous and spiritually enriching celebration that commemorated six decades of Eucharistic mission, service, and faith. The year-long series of events, held at various locations, brought together priests, religious, lay aggregates, and well-wishers in a profound journey of gratitude, reflection, and renewal.

Inauguration: A Grand Beginning

The inauguration of the Diamond Jubilee was marked by a grand Eucharistic celebration presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Oswald Gracias, then Archbishop of Bombay, setting the stage for the year of celebrations. The occasion saw the unveiling of the Eucharistic Miracles Exhibition, inspired by Blessed Carlos Acutis, which highlighted divine moments associated with the Eucharist and deepened the spiritual appreciation of attendees. Priests and lay aggregates from Tembipada, Mazagaon, and Colaba participated in the celebrations, demonstrating the congregation’s unity and shared mission.

Lay Aggregates National Communion (LANC) 2024

A significant event during the jubilee year was the Lay Aggregates National Communion (LANC) 2024, held from October 13-14, 2024, at the Pilar Animation Centre in Goa. This gathering brought together 197 Lay Aggregates from across the country, marking a milestone in their Eucharistic mission.

Empowering Lay Aggregates in the Eucharistic Mission

The event began with an inspiring address by Fr. Francisco Junior, SSS, General Consultor for Mission, who emphasized the centrality of the Eucharist in the Lay Aggregates’ charism. Fr. Peter Jayakanthan, SSS, Provincial of Kristu Jyoti Province, led a session on the role of Lay Aggregates in continuing the mission of St. Peter Julian Eymard, reinforcing the Eucharist as a source of strength and inspiration.

One of the major highlights of LANC was the election of National and Regional Teams, formalizing the leadership of Lay Aggregates in Goa, Mumbai, and Chennai. The gathering also featured a Eucharistic procession, a time of Eucharistic Adoration, and a closing Eucharist, which left participants spiritually renewed. The event concluded with a cultural evening and a sightseeing tour of Goa, making it both a spiritual and memorable experience.

Exploring Faith in the Digital Age: Talk Show on Eucharist and AI

As part of the Diamond Jubilee concluding celebrations, an insightful talk show was held on January 3, 2025, at St. Francis Xavier’s Chapel, Colaba, focusing on the theme “In the Digital/AI Driven Society: Eucharist is the Vital Force of Empowering Union of Families and Communities.”

Led by Fr. Michael SVD and his team, the discussion explored how the Eucharist remains relevant in fostering unity and connection in an age of digital advancements. The event saw the participation of Rev. Fr. Philip Benzy, SSS (Superior General), Fr. Jose Antonio, SSS (General Consultor), Fr. Philip Watkins, SSS (Provincial of Australia), Fr. Justin Chawkan, SSS (Provincial of Sri Lanka), and Fr. Peter Jayakanthan, SSS (Provincial of India), alongside numerous clergy, religious, and laypeople. The talk show was interactive, allowing for engaging discussions and reflections on the role of faith in the modern digital world.

Concluding Eucharistic Celebrations: A Moment of Gratitude

The Diamond Jubilee Concluding Eucharist on January 3, 2025, was a deeply reverent and historic occasion. Held at St. Francis Xavier’s Chapel, Colaba, the Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Rev. Fr. Philip Benzy, SSS, Superior General, with numerous concelebrants from across the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament.

In his homily, Fr. Benzy reflected on the journey of the Indian province, recalling the pioneering efforts of Frs. Len McKenna, Paul Raiper, Joe Geran, and Bro. Francis, whose dedication laid the foundation for the congregation’s mission in India. Fr. Justin Chawkhan, SSS, Provincial of Sri Lanka, acknowledged the Australian province’s role in supporting the growth of the Indian and Sri Lankan provinces, emphasizing the shared roots and global mission of the congregation. The Eucharistic celebration was a moment of profound spiritual renewal, inspiring all present to carry forward the mission with renewed dedication.

Final Eucharist: Marking 60 Years of Mission in India

The official concluding Eucharist of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations took place on January 4, 2025, at St. Francis Xavier’s Chapel, Colaba. Cardinal Oswald Gracias, then Archbishop of Mumbai, and Bishop Thomas of Vasai presided over this solemn celebration, marking the culmination of 60 years of the congregation’s presence in India.

The event was attended by key dignitaries, including Fathers Benzy, Jose Antonio, Philip Watkins, Peter Jayakanthan, and a host of Indian SSS priests. In his homily, Cardinal Gracias shared his reflections on the origins of the congregation in India, recalling its humble beginnings and remarkable growth over the decades. His words emphasized the transformative power of the Eucharist in uniting families and communities, especially in an evolving world filled with challenges and opportunities.

Cultural Evening: A Joyful Celebration of Faith and Unity

The final celebrations of the Diamond Jubilee were marked by a vibrant cultural evening featuring a sound and light show narrating the Eucharistic moments, along with traditional and contemporary dance performances that celebrated the cultural diversity of the community. A festive dinner brought together clergy, religious, and laity in a spirit of fellowship, marking a fitting conclusion to the Diamond Jubilee.

Looking Ahead: A Future Rooted in Eucharistic Devotion

The Diamond Jubilee of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament in India was a testimony to six decades of faith, service, and Eucharistic devotion. From the grand inauguration to the concluding Eucharist, each event reinforced the congregation’s mission and its role in transforming lives through the Eucharist.

The Lay Aggregates National Communion, talk show, and cultural celebrations united people in a shared commitment to Eucharistic spirituality. As the Congregation looks ahead, this Diamond Jubilee serves as a foundation for continued growth, deeper faith, and unwavering dedication to serving communities. With renewed hope and commitment, the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament in India marches forward, embracing the future with faith and devotion.

Father Infantraj Lawrence, sss
Media Incharge
St. Francis Xavier’s Chapel - Colaba