Indore: For hundreds of Catholics at St Joseph Church, Nanda nagar, Sunday was a special occasion as the Church celebrated its golden jubilee.

Not only the present parish members, but devotees who were earlier a part of the church and have shifted elsewhere were also a part of the jubilee celebration.

On Sunday the celebration began in the morning at 8 am with a short procession including priests, nuns and devotees led by a St Joseph’s statue placed in a chariot as he is the patron saint of the church.

After the procession, the believers took part in special Holy mass led by Bishop Chacko Thottumarickal of Indore. Archbishop Leo Cornelio of Bhopal and Bishop Sebastian Vadakkel of Ujjain were present.

Around 15 other priests including parish priest of the church, Fr Thomas Rajmanikam also performed Eucharistic ceremony, reported The Times of India.

During the Mass, bishops remembered the contribution of Mother Baptista and Fr Henry who helped this parish grow from a small church to one of the most beautiful and biggest churches of city.

The three-day long celebration that began on Friday concluded on Sunday evening with a cultural program and community dinner wherein the parish members were invited.

“Our parish has completed 50 years since its establishment and thus we have gathered to celebrate and thank God for this occasion. The three-day celebration included spiritual and cultural celebration along with the devotees,” said Fr Thomas Rajmanikam, the parish priest of St Joseph Church.

However, not only ex-parish members but ex-parish priests who had been a part of the church in the past were also present on this occasion.

“We have been a part of this church since the beginning and the faith and association from this church is such that our three generations have come to attend this function,” said Gracy and Simon David, who have been a part of the parish since the past 48 years.