Inauguration of the Franciscan Year and Opening of the Door of Faith, at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Mankulam

As part of the celebrations marking the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi and the Franciscan Jubilee Year proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV, the Door of Faith was solemnly opened at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Mankulam, the only church in the Diocese of Vijayapuram dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi.

The ceremony took place during the Holy Mass celebrated on 18 April 2026, during which Sebastian Thekkethecheril, Bishop of Vijayapuram Diocese, officially opened the Door of Faith.

The Bishop invited all the faithful of the diocese to participate in the Jubilee celebrations by passing through the Door of Faith and obtaining the Jubilee indulgence. The special Jubilee observances will continue until 10 January 2027.

The celebrations were led by Very Rev. Michael Valiyanchiyil, Forane Vicar of the Munnar Region, and Fr. Joseph Benjamin, Parish Priest. Priests, religious, and a large number of faithful participated in the solemn occasion.