THIRD SALIBI FATEH DIWAS 2026: A Celebration of Faith, Unity and Witness

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross | 14 September 2026 | Sangrur

The Third Salibi Fateh Diwas 2026 was celebrated with great faith, devotion and enthusiasm on 14 September 2026 at Little Flower Convent School, Sangrur, at the Patiala Deanery level of the Diocese of Simla-Chandigarh. Held under the theme “The Cross: Our Hope, Our Victory,” the celebration also included the Christian Unity Octave Prayer, bringing together clergy, religious sisters, pastors and faithful from different Christian communities in a spirit of unity, fellowship and witness.

The celebration began with an opening prayer led by Rev. Fr John Thatheus, Dean of Patiala Deanery, who welcomed the faithful and encouraged them to proclaim Christ through prayer, hymns and slogans.

This was followed by a vibrant religious procession from Little Flower Convent School. The youth presented beautiful tableaux under the leadership of Rev. Sr Mary Lavania, Principal of Little Flower Convent School, Sangrur.

Parishioners and faithful participated on motorcycles, scooters, cars and buses, singing hymns and enthusiastically proclaiming, “Nara-e-Taslees - Fateh Saleeb.” The procession became a powerful public witness to the Christian faith and the victory of the Holy Cross.

Upon reaching the school campus, the Holy Bible was solemnly enthroned, while the decorated Cross was brought onto the stage by the Mariam Sena. His Excellency Most Rev. Dr Sahaya Thatheus Thomas, Bishop of Simla-Chandigarh, received and enthroned the Bible, highlighting the central place of the Word of God in the life of every Christian.

Rev. Fr Justin Diraviam, Parish Priest of Little Flower Catholic Church, Sangrur, welcomed the distinguished guests by presenting saplings and towels, symbolising growth in faith, service and Christian brotherhood.

Rev. Fr Vilfred Masih, Director of Prarthna Bhawan, Kauli, served as the Master of Ceremonies and conducted the programme with dignity and order.

The Ecumenical Prayer Service was presided over by His Excellency the Bishop Sahaya Thatheus, Prof. Dr Emmanuel Nahar, Chairman, Minority Department (PPCC) and former Chairman of the Minority Commission, Punjab, and renowned Gospel singer Mr Matti Teji were the distinguished guests of honour. The celebration was attended by 10 priests, 7 religious sisters from Patiala Deanery and 6 pastors representing Pentecostal denominations from Sangrur and surrounding areas. A large number of faithful also participated, making the occasion a joyful celebration of faith and unity.

Pastor Francis Gill, Chairman of the Pastors Association, Sangrur, proclaimed the Word of God on the theme “The Cross: Our Hope, Our Victory.” He reflected on the Cross as the means of salvation, hope and redemption through the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ.

In his homily on “We Proclaim Christ Crucified” (1 Corinthians 1:23), the Bishop explained the significance of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and its historical connection with the discovery of the Cross of Christ in Jerusalem in the fourth century. He reminded the faithful that the Cross is not merely a material object or a fashion statement, but the sign of Christ’s victory over sin and evil and the visible expression of God’s saving love. He encouraged everyone to proclaim Christ Crucified through their lives, witness and service.

A special highlight was the release of the Salibi Fateh Anthem, composed and written by Catechist Lawrence Matthew and sung by Rev. Fr Lawrence Benedict, Catechist Lawrence Matthew, Mrs Jyotsna Matthew, Mrs Gurmeet and Miss Sana Matthew. The audio hymn was released by His Excellency the Bishop in the presence of the clergy, religious, pastors and faithful.

The celebration concluded with a joyful worship session led by renowned Gospel Singer Mr. Matti Teji, accompanied by his wife and worship team. Through devotional hymns and prayer, the faithful experienced an atmosphere of joy, fellowship and spiritual renewal.

The Third Salibi Fateh Diwas was organised by Rev. Fr Lawrence Benedict with the collaboration and support of Rev. Fr John Thatheus, Rev. Fr Justin Diraviam, the Pallottine Sisters of Sangrur Parish, Catechists Lawrence Matthew and Marshal, the Parish Council, Mariam Sena, youth, children and the faithful.

The celebration solemnly witnessed a meaningful Christian unity, fellowship and shared faith in Jesus Christ, proclaiming the message: “The Cross is our hope, our salvation and our victory in Jesus Christ.”

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