Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The Centenary Jubilee of the Archdiocese of Chattogram is a profound moment of grace and thanksgiving for our entire local Church. In 2027, we will celebrate one hundred years since the establishment of the Diocese of Chittagong, now the Archdiocese of Chattogram. Although the centenary falls on 25 May 2027, the principal Jubilee celebration is being planned for Friday, 28 May 2027, to enable the faithful to participate more fully. As we prepare for this historic occasion, it is important to remember that our Jubilee is not merely the celebration of an anniversary or a festive event. Rather, it is a sacred opportunity to renew our faith, deepen our commitment to the Gospel, and reflect on God’s abundant blessings throughout the past century. Our preparation for the Centenary Jubilee has therefore been a three-year spiritual journey.

In 2024, we began our preparation through the Pastoral Assembly by undertaking a sincere evaluation of our life and mission as a local Church. We reflected on the purpose for which God established this Diocese and examined how faithfully we have responded to that mission over the past one hundred years. We assessed our spiritual life, family life, institutional ministries, and pastoral mission, giving thanks for the progress we have made while honestly recognizing the areas where renewal is still needed.

In 2025, we continued our journey by taking Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, as our model. We reflected on His example of leadership and pastoral care, asking ourselves how He shepherds His people and how we, as the Church of Chattogram, can more faithfully follow His example. This year invited us to identify the qualities we must continue to learn from the Good Shepherd so that our pastoral ministry may better reflect His love and compassion.

In 2026, our focus is inspired by the Blessed Virgin Mary. Just as Mary praised and thanked God through her Magnificat, we too are called to offer heartfelt gratitude for everything God has accomplished in and through the Archdiocese during the past century. We thank Him for His countless blessings, for the faith of generations of clergy, religious and lay faithful, and for every grace that has enabled our local Church to grow and serve His people. Our thanksgiving should arise, like Mary’s, from the depths of our hearts.

This year is therefore marked by two complementary dimensions of preparation: spiritual renewal and practical preparation for the Jubilee celebration itself. As we make plans for the various events and activities, we must ensure that our preparations remain firmly rooted in prayer, gratitude, and faith. We should also remember that a Jubilee is unlike any ordinary celebration. It is not simply a tradition established by human beings or even by the Church. The Jubilee has its origin in God’s own plan. In Sacred Scripture, God commanded Moses to proclaim the Jubilee, revealing His desire for renewal, reconciliation, justice, and restoration among His people.

For this reason, the Jubilee Year has often been described as a time to set things right. Wherever we have departed from God’s original purpose, the Jubilee invites us to return to Him. It calls us to renew our relationship with God, reconcile with one another, strengthen our communities, and restore our commitment to the mission entrusted to the Church. As we journey toward our Centenary Jubilee, may we not only celebrate the blessings of the past but also embrace God’s call to renewal for the future. Let this Jubilee inspire every parish, institution, family, and individual believer to deepen their faith, strengthen communion within the Church, and commit themselves anew to the mission of proclaiming Christ.

May the Lord continue to guide the Archdiocese of Chattogram as we prepare for this historic celebration. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may our Centenary Jubilee become a true moment of spiritual renewal, thanksgiving, and missionary commitment for generations to come.

Delivered at the First Planning Meeting for the Centenary Jubilee. Dated: 24 April 2026