A grand civic function was organized to pay tribute to the well wishers and benefactors of the Archdiocese of Bhopal on the occasion of the golden jubilee celebrations at the Jubilee Memorial Hall of Bhopal School of Social Sciences on Sunday 17^th February 2013.

          The ceremonial lamp was lit by dignitaries including His Excellency Shri Ram Naresh Yadav, the Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Pradeep Kumar Jain Union Minister for rural development, Shri  Oscar Fernandes, Chairman of Parliamentary standing Committee for Human Resource Development, Shri Rajeev Choudhary,  DRM Bhopal,  Shri Piyush Trivedi, Director RGPV, Brig. Sanjay Chawla and Dr. Appukuttan K.K , Director MANIT, amidst the chanting of hymns. 

          His grace Most. Rev. Dr. Leo Corneleo Archbishop of Bhopal accorded a befitting welcome and exhorted the audience with the parable of the mustard seed  described in the Holy Bible and equated it with the origin  and development of the Archdiocese of Bhopal.

          The Chief guest His Excellency Shri Ram Naresh Yadav generously appreciated the Services in the field of Education, health, social services, women empowerment that Church  in Bhopal continuously doing.  Citing the example of Blessed Mother Teresa and her selfless services he urged the Church to proceed further in the field so that at the time of centenary celebrations the Church can feel proud of its services.

          The family that prays together stays together; speaking on the occasion the former minister of the Union Cabinet and presently the Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee for Human Resource Development Shri Oscar Fernandes highlighted and appreciated the good works being done by the Archdiocese under the able guidance of Most. Rev. Dr. Leo Corneleo, whom he considers his own Archbishop too.

          The Great Service especially in the field of education being rendered by the Church was well acknowledged by the Union Minister for rural development Shri  Pradeep Kumar Jain while addressing the august gathering of the specially invited guests.

          The other speakers also loaded the Church with praise and appreciation for the selfless services and noble deeds rendered to the humanity.

          The sufi style song performed powerfully by the young artist Mr. Megdeep Bose, based the psalm, the Lord is my Shepherd, kept everyone taping to his tune and rhythm. The audience was really enthralled by the extra-ordinary dance presentation by the Abhivyakti team from Bhopal.   The Presentation by the K.G. Section students of St. Joseph’s Co-ed School conveyed the powerful message that Deed - not name and fame is vital for the individuals through the skit which was highly appreciated by all present.

          The musical drama ‘ Dayasagar’ written and directed by Rev. Fr. James M.L on the theme love and mercy of Jesus enthralled the audience.  The curtain fell for this great event lasting two and a half hours by the vote of thanks proposed by Rev. Fr. Solomon, PRO of the Archdiocese of Bhopal.

The programme was well anchored by by Mrs. Anjali Bakshi and Mr. Mathew John. May this be a tribute to all those who venture with us to disseminate the Kingdom values through our various ministries. May the Lord protect, guide and guard the Archdiocese and may our Patron St. Francis of Assisi intercede for us all along our path.