Diocese of Agartala marked its Pearl Jubilee and Bishop Lumen Monteiro’s Episcopal Ordination Jubilee with grand celebrations, thanksgiving Mass, cultural events, and participation of thousands of faithful, highlighting three decades of pastoral, educational, and missionary service across Tripura.
The Diocese of Agartala concluded its two-day Pearl Jubilee celebrations on Sunday with a grand Eucharistic gathering attended by thousands of faithful, church leaders, priests, and religious representatives from across Tripura and several other parts of the country.
The celebrations were organised on May 23 and 24 to commemorate 30 years since the establishment of the Diocese on May 26, 1996, along with the Episcopal Ordination Jubilee of its first Bishop, Most Rev. Lumen Monteiro. The occasion marked three decades of episcopal ministry and leadership dedicated to the growth of the Church and social development in the state.
Church officials said the programme witnessed the participation of archbishops, bishops, provincial superiors, priests, religious men and women, and delegates representing all 30 parishes under the Diocese. Large numbers of faithful from different districts of Tripura and neighbouring states also joined the celebrations.
The inaugural gathering held on Saturday featured cultural performances, thanksgiving programmes, and spiritual sessions reflecting the journey of the Diocese over the last three decades. Delegates and Church representatives highlighted the growth of the Diocese from just nine parishes at the time of its formation in 1996 to 30 parishes spread across different regions of Tripura today.
The concluding Jubilee Eucharistic Celebration took place on Sunday on the occasion of Pentecost. A massive congregation participated in the thanksgiving Mass, which was led in the presence of several archbishops and bishops from different dioceses. Provincial superiors, clergy members, religious congregations, and family members of Bishop Monteiro also attended the concluding programme.
During the celebrations, Church leaders recalled the important milestones achieved by the Diocese in pastoral ministry, missionary outreach, education, healthcare, and social service activities over the past 30 years. Speakers acknowledged the Diocese’s contribution towards strengthening faith communities and expanding educational opportunities in remote areas of Tripura.
Special tributes were paid to Bishop Monteiro for his leadership and commitment in establishing parish communities, educational institutions, and social welfare initiatives. Church officials also recognised his involvement in healthcare ministry and his long association with Caritas India, which has supported humanitarian and development programmes in different regions.
Religious leaders addressing the gathering expressed gratitude for the steady growth of the Diocese and encouraged the faithful to continue supporting the Church’s mission of service, education, and community development. They also emphasised the importance of unity, compassion, and spiritual commitment in strengthening the Church’s future mission in Tripura.
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The Jubilee celebrations concluded with prayers, thanksgiving ceremonies, and blessings for the continued progress of the Diocese in the coming years. Participants described the event as a historic and spiritually uplifting occasion that reflected the enduring faith and dedication of the Catholic community in Tripura.
