Kollam, 06 September (H.S.):The Diocese of Kollam, regarded as India’s first Catholic diocese, will begin celebrations marking its 700th anniversary on Sunday, launching a series of spiritual and commemorative programmes that will continue for three years.

The celebrations will commence at 8 a.m. with the hoisting of the jubilee flag at all parishes, institutions and homes under the diocese. Churches, pilgrimage centres and chapels will also be illuminated with the official jubilee logo as part of the inaugural observances.

During the opening Holy Mass, a formal proclamation of the jubilee will be made in accordance with a message from the Pope, communicated through the Vatican’s representative in India. Representatives of the laity and youth organisations will lead special jubilee prayers during the ceremonies.

The diocese-level spiritual observances will formally begin on August 9, when Kollam Bishop Paul Antony Mullassery hoists the jubilee flag at the Our Lady of Purification Church in Kollam Port.

The official inauguration of the three-year jubilee programme will be held at Pattathanam on August 10. Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan will inaugurate the celebrations in the presence of Church leaders, clergy, religious congregations and members of the laity.

A major spiritual initiative associated with the anniversary will begin on November 29. As part of the programme, an image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the jubilee lamp will be taken to every Catholic household within the diocese.

Diocesan Public Relations Officer Father Lazar S. Pattakadavu said the programme was intended to ensure the participation of families across the diocese and deepen their involvement in the anniversary observances.

The jubilee will feature religious, social and community-oriented events highlighting the diocese’s centuries-old history and contribution to society. The faithful across Kollam are preparing to celebrate what Church authorities described as a historic milestone in the diocese’s journey.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman