Year of the Children: I remind the Parish Priests once again to plan activities and programmes for children taking the help of the Commissions at the Parish level. Some have already given serious thought to it and drawn up a plan. May the Children grow in stature and virtue in our presence as we accompany them with love and care.

Day of the Consecrated Life: On February 2, as celebrate the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, we are invited to give special attention to consecrated persons, both men and women. Their contribution is great in our diocese. We have 14 congregations of religious Priests, one of religious Brothers, two Public Associations of Christ’s Faithful, two monasteries of cloistered nuns, and 45 congregations of women religious. Their presence is a great testimony of the presence of the heavenly Kingdom, for which they dedicate themselves with an undivided heart. Their service in our parishes, in our Institutions, brings in enriching experience of faith. Their accompaniment of children in schools, in catechism classes, in the Basic Ecclesial Communities and their selfless service in the social centres contribute much for the strengthening of faith. Last year, the religious Priests and Sisters organized a day for the Diocesan Priests and we accepted their appreciation and hospitality. Let us take this opportunity to reciprocate our love and appreciation for their service, offering special prayers and organizing programmes for them.

Ash Wednesday: On February 18, we begin the Lenten season. The Liturgical Calendar (Ordo) gives sufficient instructions regarding the discipline to be practiced, keeping in mind the penitential nature of the season. Lent is also time for personal conversion. As we prepare ourselves to celebrate Solemnity of the Resurrection of the Lord, awareness of sin and the need for penance are emphasized through the practice of meditation on the Passion of the Lord, his suffering and his death. For some this conversion will be a turning from sin to grace; for others, it will be a gracious turning toward the mystery of God in Christ. Parish Priests are requested to use this time for arranging special renewal retreats and reconciliation with God and one another. Kindly give special attention to children towards faith formation and formation of conscience.

Special Intensive Revision (SIR): In the State of Karnataka the Special Intensive Revision of the Electoral Rolls may be held in the month of February. The SIR requires voters to trace their name or a parent’s/grandparent’s name to the old 2002 electoral roll (“legacy linkage”). Please contact the local Block Level Officer (BLO) to find out the parent’s/grandparent’s name in the Electoral Rolls of 2002 and report it to the officer who updates the Electoral Rolls. Kindly keep the documents ready, such as Any Identity Card/Pension Order issued to regular employee/pensioner of any Central Govt./State Govt./PSU; any Identity Card/ Certificate/ Document issued by Government/local authorities/Banks/Post Office/ LIC/PSUs prior to 01.07.1987; Birth Certificate issued by the competent authority; Passport; Matriculation/ Educational certificate issued by recognized Boards/Universities; Permanent Residence Certificate issued by competent State authority; OBC/ SC/ST or any caste Certificate issued by the competent authority; family Register prepared by State/Local authorities; any land/ house allotment certificate by Government; for Aadhaar, Commission’s directions issued vide letter No. 23/2025-ERS/ Vol. II dated 09.09.2025 shall apply. I request the Parish Priests to motivate the Associations and the Commissions to be actively involved to help the senior citizens and any other person who needs assistance.

Wish you a fruitful Lenten Season.