Colombia: Archdiocese of Ibagué begins its preparation to celebrate 125 years of diocesan creation

With a Solemn Mass, the Archdiocese of Ibagué (Colombia) inaugurated the year of preparation to celebrate its 125th anniversary of diocesan creation and the golden anniversary of archdiocesan elevation.

The Eucharist was presided on May 20 by Mons. Orlando Roa Barbosa, Archbishop of Ibagué, who thanked the cathedral for the presence of priests, seminarians and faithful to celebrate “this important event” in the life of the local Church.

The Diocese of Ibagué was created on May 20, 1900 by Leo XIII, and elevated to Archdiocese on December 14, 1974 by Saint Paul VI.

In that sense, it was announced that the celebration of both events will take place on May 20, 2025.

To do this, Bishop Roa Barbosa issued decree 160 of preparation for the Jubilee Year 2025, which was read during the Mass by the chancellor, Father David Torrijos.

The document indicates that, as it is “an event of great relevance, it is necessary for the faithful of the Archdiocese of Ibagué to prepare spiritually” to celebrate both anniversaries.

The objective of the preparation, he explains, is that during these twelve months the faithful can “achieve the graces that Holy Mother Church guards, in order to recognize all the evangelizing work that has been carried out for more than a century and to motivate themselves to continue walking together as missionaries of hope.”

To this end, it has been encouraged to carry out different activities, such as “pious and charitable practices that enrich the faith and sacramental life of those most distant and strengthen communion between the archdiocesan clergy, the seminary, religious communities, civil entities and the lay faithful who are part of the Archdiocese of Ibagué.”