Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee Year 2025 Inspires Thousands Across Shillong Archdiocese

The streets and pathways of Laitumkhrah Parish have come alive with colour, devotion, and community spirit as the Catholic faithful prepare for the grand Solemn Eucharistic Procession, marking the Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee Year 2025 — a year dedicated to deepening faith, unity, and hope in Christian life.

Community Unites for the Sacred Journey

In the days leading to the annual spiritual event, parishioners of the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians — especially the youth — have worked tirelessly to clean, decorate, and beautify the procession route. Flowers, lights, Scripture-themed banners, and sacred statues now adorn Laitumkhrah, transforming it into a vibrant path of prayer and reverence.

Residents, visitors, and tourists have eagerly captured the scenes, sharing them across social media and turning the preparations into a joyful celebration of faith and community pride.

The Bishop’s House and the Cathedral compound have been adorned with colourful decorations and words from Holy Scripture, radiating a spirit of hope and spiritual anticipation.

Under the leadership of Archbishop Victor Lyngdoh, Bishop Bernard Laloo, and the dedicated Laitumkhrah Parish community, the Shillong Archdiocese has made meticulous arrangements for the Holy Mass on November 9, followed by the grand afternoon Eucharistic Procession.

A Tradition Rooted in Faith

The Laitumkhrah Eucharistic Procession remains the largest and oldest of its kind in Northeast India, drawing thousands of pilgrims annually from across the Khasi and Jaintia Hills and beyond. More than an event, it is a living tradition — one that inspires devotion, unity, and peace, even among those outside the Catholic faith.

Government authorities, including the district administration, police, and municipal departments, have extended full cooperation to ensure safety, cleanliness, and smooth conduct of the celebration.

Echoing St. Paul’s words, “Hope does not disappoint us” (Romans 5:5), this year’s theme — Pilgrims of Hope — reflects the Church’s call to nurture faith and embrace the Eucharist as the source of Christian life.

Massive Gathering for the Solemn Holy Mass

Bishop Bernard Laloo Reflects on “The Living Temple of God”

The Shillong Archdiocese witnessed a massive congregation of tens of thousands of faithful from across the region for the Holy Eucharistic Celebration.

The Mass was concelebrated by Archbishop Victor Lyngdoh, clergy, and priests, with Auxiliary Bishop Bernard Laloo as the main celebrant. Delivering a deeply meaningful homily on the theme “The Living Temple of God,” Bishop Laloo offered spiritual guidance rooted in Scripture and tradition.

“We Are the Living Temple of God”

Bishop Laloo reminded the faithful that being God’s dwelling place is not symbolic but a transformative reality that binds believers into one spiritual family.

“We are the living temple of God — where He dwells among us, where His peace reigns, and where His light transforms us,”
he said.

Drawing from St. Paul’s teachings, he expressed gratitude to past generations who built and strengthened the Church through devotion and sacrifice. Reflecting on the Gospel passage where Jesus says, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up,” Bishop Laloo explained that Christ Himself is the new and eternal temple — risen and glorified.

“Through the Eucharist,” he said, “we are united with that body. We enter into the new temple — which is Christ Himself.”

He urged the faithful to allow Jesus to cleanse the “temple of their hearts” — removing pride, selfishness, sin, and disobedience — and asked families to let Christ purify their homes from anger, hatred, and division.

“Let the River of Life Flow from Within”

Bishop Laloo further preached:

“From the temple flows the river of life; from the Eucharist flows the living water. And from our hearts, united with this living water, should flow love, compassion, and peace to the whole world.”

He concluded with a prayerful appeal for renewal, healing, and spiritual strength.

At the end of the Holy Mass, Archbishop Victor Lyngdoh released the Jubilee Pastoral Letter of Hope, distributing it among the faithful as a symbol of unity, renewal, and steadfast faith.

“2026 Will Be the Special Year of the Laity” — Archbishop Victor Lyngdoh

Thousands Participate in the Christ the King Grand Eucharistic Procession

Under a clear evening sky, the Shillong Archdiocese witnessed one of its most solemn moments as thousands participated in the Grand Eucharistic Procession on the Solemnity of Christ the King.

Archbishop Victor Lyngdoh presided over the evening ceremony and imparted the final Benediction with the Holy Sacrament. In his address, he reminded the faithful that while the Pilgrimage of Hope Jubilee Year draws to a close, it is also a time to strengthen faith through reflection on God’s works.

He announced that the year 2026 will be observed as the Jubilee Year of the Laity, inviting Christian families to deepen and actively live out their faith within their homes and communities.

A Procession of Prayer, Music, and Unity

The Blessed Sacrament was carried reverently on a beautifully decorated vehicle, leading thousands in a slow, prayerful march through Laitumkhrah. Hymns, prayers, and Eucharistic songs filled the air.

The celebration began at Kalbari with the Holy Benediction of the Cross, led by the Cathedral Duwan Band. Various Church organisations carried banners glorifying God, while musical groups — including the Cathedral Band, Don Bosco Band, Savio Junioriate Band, and the St. Cecilia Choir — enriched the evening with solemn and uplifting music.

The spiritually charged atmosphere made this one of the most inspiring and memorable Eucharistic celebrations of 2025.