It is time to withdraw from the distractions of the world; it is an opportunity for priests to examine their consciences deeply; it is a moment to renew fervour for prayer, study, and pastoral charity; it is an essential defence against the growing dangers that draw us away from God and others. It is certainly an efficacious remedy to priestly lukewarmness. Please come to benefit much from this sacred time of prayer and reflection. Please do not forget to bring your personal Mass Diary. The Auxiliary Bishop of Delhi, Most Rev. Deepak Tauro, will lead us into prayer. Training for Trainers towards a Synodal Church (16 December 2025): The General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops has asked all Bishops to form a team of facilitators to implement the Synodal Final Document. We have to integrate the Synodal insights into our Pastoral Plan and involve as many as possible to make our local Church truly a synodal Church. We need to prepare the yearly plan for each parish at the beginning of the Calendar Year and implement the Synodal insights. The Indian Latin Bishops have chosen Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo to guide the implementation of the Final Document. Those trained, in turn, will train the newly formed Parish Pastoral Councils. The Participants are already informed about the training programme, and you will find the necessary information in this volume of the Inter Nos. Please do not miss it. Closing of the Jubilee Year: On Sunday, 28 December, on the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, we close the Year of Ordinary Jubilee in the Cathedral at the Mass to be celebrated at 8.00 a.m. The following elements should receive special prominence: the decorated Jubilee Cross as the central symbol; the Prayer of the Faithful, reflecting the year’s spiritual journey; the presentation of gifts, including offerings for the poor, as a sign of ongoing charity, and solidarity inspired by Jubilee spirit; Communion under both kinds, signifying the fullness of the

Eucharistic banquet; a hymn of thanksgiving after Communion; a prayer over the people and Solemn Blessing recalling Jubilee theme: Pilgrims of Hope. I take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for all the initiatives you have undertaken at the Parish/Deanery Level. Please send three key events, initiatives, or programmes you have conducted, along with a few representative photographs (high resolution preferred), to the Diocesan Contact Persons, Fr Joseph Martis and Mr John D’Silva, by email. We have to forward a few important events with photographs to the national Coordinator. My sincere thanks to Fr Joseph Martis and Mr John D’Silva for assisting us as Contact Persons, coordinating with the national Coordinator. I thank all the Priests, Religious and Lay Faithful for organising various events. Furthermore, I am deeply indebted to those responsible for the places of pilgrimage marked for this year. Sincere thanks to each and every one of you for making this Jubilee Year a graceful experience. Christmas Celebration: Every year, the month of December reminds us of the great event in human history: God becoming man. “By his incarnation, he, the Son of God has, in a certain way, united himself with each man”. Jesus discloses to us, not only “the Father and of his love”, but also “fully reveals man to himself and brings to light his most high calling”. Kindly make it a special point to celebrate Christmas with the poor, the neglected, and abandoned so that we become the cause of their joy. May their drudgery be alleviated, and may the Lord give them happiness through us. We truly believe that in the hearts of all men and women of good will, “grace is active invisibly… For since Christ died for all, and since all men are in fact called to one and the same destiny, which is divine, we must hold that the Holy Spirit offers to all the possibility of being made partners, in a way known to God, in the paschal mystery” (GS 22). As you organise Bandhutva Christmas, which I ardently recommend to each Parish, please highlight how Jesus brings meaning to our broken and conflict-ridden world by loving us to the end.

Diocesan Eucharistic Procession: On January 4, 2026, we will celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord and hold the Diocesan Eucharistic Procession. All clergy, religious, and lay faithful are encouraged to participate in the procession (Mass at Milagres Church at 3:30 p.m., followed by a Eucharistic procession to Rosario Cathedral). I also request all Parish Priests to motivate and encourage the faithful of your parish to join the procession and to pray for the whole Church and our Diocese before the Eucharistic Lord. To allow everyone to participate fully in this celebration, please refrain from scheduling any afternoon programmes. Wish you a Happy Christmas and a Joy-filled New Year 2026.