The Jubilee Celebrations in Ranchi

It is a rare privilege to celebrate the Jubilee of Religious Profession when the universal church celebrates the Jubilee Year. Such a coincidence makes the celebration even more profound—a true moment of grace and reflection on God’s blessings. It’s an opportunity to not only honour the years of faithful service but also to align with the Church’s wider call for renewal, gratitude, and spiritual deepening.

On May 16, 2025, the members of the Society of St Paul gathered in the community of Ranchi, to honour and celebrate the remarkable milestone of the Golden Jubilee of Religious Profession of our beloved brothers—Br Alphonce Bara, Br Andreas Beck, and Br Xavier Tirkey—as well as the Sacerdotal Silver Jubilee of Fr Dominic Tirkey. Together, they reflected on the incredible ways in which the Lord has been guiding them throughout their journey.

The Jubilee Thanksgiving Eucharist commenced with a beautiful prayer dance, as the chief celebrant Archbishop Vincent Aind of the Archdiocese of Ranchi, together with the Jubilarians, Rev. Fr Joby Mathew, the Provincial Superior, and as many as 25 concelebrating priests, processed to the altar.

After a warm welcome extended by Fr Francis Dalmet, the Superior of the Community of Ranchi, the Archbishop and the Jubilarians lit the lamp, symbolically welcoming the light of Christ into our midst.

In his homily, the Archbishop reminded the Jubilarians and the members of the Society of St Paul that vocation is a divine gift—most fittingly celebrated on this 50^th anniversary—and it reflects their journey with Jesus Christ, the eternal Priest. He also emphasized that St Paul was the first to use media as a means of communication. However, as members of the Society of St Paul continue to embrace modern means of communication, it is essential to reflect: How alive is the Word of God in your lives, and how effectively do you communicate it through your words and actions?

A good number of Pauline priests and brothers from different communities of the Province, along with members of the Sister Disciples of the Divine Master, as well as priests and religious from various congregations in Ranchi, graced the Jubilee celebrations. Family members of the Jubilarians attended the celebrations in large numbers and shared their sentiments of love and gratitude by singing songs. On behalf of the Jubilarians, Br Andreas Beck expressed heartfelt gratitude to God for their lives and vocations. He also showered his gratitude and appreciation for the Provincial Government and the members of the community of Ranchi for planning and organizing the Jubilee celebrations, making it solemn and memorable to all those present.

During the felicitations, the Jubilarians were honoured for their dedicated lives and unwavering enthusiasm to the Pauline life and mission. The priests, religious sisters, and friends and benefactors also extended their best wishes to the Jubilarians. The celebration featured vibrant traditional dances and songs and concluded with a delightful meal, marking a memorable end to the Jubilee festivities.