The twin events at Kot Shameer on the 26th and at Shree Muktsar Sahib on the 27th of April 2023 marked the conclusion of the golden jubilee of the CST mission in Punjab and Rajasthan. The events were the perfect embodiment of the gratitude for providential care that the mission has been experiencing for the last fifty years, a salute to the selfless contributions and the hard work of the pioneer missionaries and the collaborators, a source of inspiration to the young and the future missionaries, and an acknowledgement of the welcome accorded to the CST mission by the land and the people. On the 26th at Kot Shameer, His Grace Arch Bishop Anil Couto set the concluding celebrations on the roll by blessing and inaugurating Little Flower Convent School. After that, the grace-filled Holy Qurbana presided by His Excellency Archbishop Mar Kuriakose Bharanikulangara of the Eparchy of Faridabad and co-celebrated by His Excellency Bishop Ignatius Loyola Mascaranehas of Shimla-Chandigarh Diocese, His Excellency Bishop Agnelo Gracias, the administrator of Jalandhar Diocese, His Excellency Bishop Mar Thomas Thuruthimattam CST of the eparchy of Gorakhpur and His Excellency Auxiliary Bishop Mar Jose Puthenveetil of the Eparchy of Faridabad, Very Rev. Fr. Jojo Varavukalayil CST, the Superior General of Little Flower Congregation, Rev. Fr. Saju Koothodiputhenpurayil CST, the Provincial Superior, was attended by many faithful, priests, sisters, brothers, well-wishers and benefactors. Bishop Ignatius Loyola Mascaranehas broke the word of God. Exquisite decoration and elegant floral arrangements spread a spiritual aroma, and the vibrant choir enhanced the spiritual depth of the Holy Qurbana. The presence of 250 first holy communicants, both children and adults, was a witness to the evangelization and the continued presence of the holy spirit through our missionary activities. A sumptuous agape followed the Holy Qurbana.

On the 27th, at Sri Muktsar Sahib, the celebrations began with the arrival of the Bishops, Chief Guests, and other dignitaries. At 10.30 am, accompanied by the riveting school band, the Chief Guests and other dignitaries were escorted to the sprawling tent prepared for the concluding celebrations of the Jubilee Celebrations. The picturesque embellishments of the tent heightened the pomp and gaiety of the occasion. The pious music by the choir amplified the sanctity of the occasion. Holy Mass presided over by His Excellency Archbishop Anil Couto of the Arch Diocese of Delhi and co-celebrated by other Bishops and priests embodied the towering gratitude of the Congregation for His providence which bedizened our evangelization and missionary activities with grace and blessings. Mar Thomas Thuruthimattam CST broke the word of God. Four hundred fifty faithful received Jesus for the first time in their life. It was followed by delightful lunch. The public gathering followed was a synchronous blend of music, dances, and expressions of gratitude and appreciation. It was an apt testimony of celebrating culture and demonstrating harmonious engagement of diverse aspects of the CST missionary activities. The meeting showcased the talents by releasing some books written by members of the province. The release of the much-awaited history of the province was a momentous occasion as the carefully researched and insightful narrative provided a fascinating glimpse into the past, which should inspire the mission to move forward, imbibing the missionary enthusiasm of the forerunners. The release of the golden jubilee souvenir was a nostalgic trip down memory lane. The beautiful photographs and heartfelt messages captured the essence of fifty years of cherished memories and celebrated milestones. We also honoured the pioneers who ventured into the untrodden territories and were crucial for tapping the missionary potentialities of Punjab-Rajasthan. Thanks to the hard work combined with flawless synchronization of different departments, stations, schools, personals, officials, and parishes, the Khrist Jyoti Province is proud to have an august and fitting conclusion to the golden jubilee celebrations of our missionary presence in Punjab and Rajasthan.