By Matters India Reporter

Pune, Dec 10, 2025: A Catholic priest, who took to sports from a desire to evangelize the youth through health and fitness, has won a gold medal at an international powerlifting tournament.

“As I stood on the international stage, I felt the grace of God and the support of our entire Church with me,” said Father Denis Dominic Joseph after winning the November 14-17 competition at the Bhutan Olympic Stadium, in Thimpu, capital of Bhutan.

The 45-year-old priest, who serves as the assistant parish priest of St Ignatius Church, Khadki, a suburb of Pune, western India, further said that his faith accompanied him closely during the competition. He wore a rosary during the tournament that he said gave him strength and the protection of Mother Mary.

Father Denis, as he is popularly known, stood on the podium in his cassock with the medal resting on it, which he said was the fulfilment of his dream.

“I offer this achievement to the Jubilee Year, and especially to my priests and parents, whose prayers, sacrifices, and guidance continue to inspire and strengthen me every day,” Father Denis, as he is popularly known, told catholicconnect.in.

The Catholic Church has been observing the Jubilee Year 2025, themed “Pilgrims of Hope,” as a special year of grace for spiritual renewal, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

Pope Francis launched the jubilee on December 24, 2024, and it will end January 6, 2026. During the year, pilgrims travel to Rome and local churches to experience indulgences, faith deepening, and hope for a world in crisis.

Father Denis said the Jubilee Year awakened in him a special desire to wear medals on his cassock, not for personal glory, but as a visible witness that priesthood and human strength can walk together, and that faith does not compete with discipline, but strengthens it, catholicconnect.in reported.

The priest, who also serves as the principal of St Joseph Boys High School attached to the parish, began powerlifting two and a half years ago. A year ago, he won medals at the WRPF (World Raw Powerlifting Federation) National Powerlifting Championship held in Pune.

Father Denis, who was ordained a priest on December 20, 2010, for Pune diocese, said he had no personal coach present at the Thimpu competition. “This time, Mother Mary herself was my coach, my strength, my protector, and my everything,” he added.

He thanked his supporters, especially his family and friends.