Agartala, 24th May 2026: The Diocese of Agartala marked a historic milestone with the grand celebration of its Pearl Jubilee and the Episcopal Ordination Jubilee of its first Bishop, Most Rev. Lumen Monteiro, on May 23 and 24. The two-day programme brought together bishops, priests, religious men and women, and thousands of faithful from across Tripura and beyond in a spirit of thanksgiving, faith, and unity.
The jubilee commemorated thirty years since the establishment of the Diocese on Pentecost Sunday, May 26, 1996, as well as three decades of episcopal ministry of Bishop Lumen Monteiro, CSC, who has guided the Diocese since its inception.
The celebrations began on Saturday with a solemn inaugural gathering attended by Archbishops, Bishops, Provincial Superiors, clergy, religious representatives, and delegates from all thirty parishes under the Diocese. Cultural performances, thanksgiving prayers, and moments of reflection highlighted the evening programme, as participants looked back on the remarkable journey of the local Church over the past three decades.
The solemn Jubilee Eucharistic Celebration was held on Sunday, coinciding with the feast of Pentecost. A large gathering of clergy, religious members, and lay faithful participated in the thanksgiving Mass. Several dignitaries, including Archbishops and Bishops from different dioceses, Provincial Superiors, and family members of Bishop Lumen Monteiro, were present on the occasion.
Church leaders recalled the humble beginnings of the Diocese, which started with only nine parishes and has now grown into a vibrant local Church comprising thirty parishes spread across Tripura. They highlighted the Diocese’s contribution in the fields of missionary work, pastoral care, education, and social service throughout the state.
Special tribute was paid to Bishop Lumen Monteiro for his dedicated leadership and missionary zeal. Over the last thirty years, he has played a significant role in strengthening parish communities, establishing schools and institutions, and nurturing the spiritual life of the faithful. His contributions to health ministry and his association with Caritas India were also acknowledged with gratitude.
The jubilee celebrations concluded with prayers of thanksgiving and renewed commitment towards continuing the mission of faith, service, and community-building in Tripura in the years ahead.
