Pastoral Consultation, Recollection and Chrism Mass: We are going to have the Pastoral Consultation on 9-10 April at the Sambram Hall at St Anthony’s Ashram. The topics suggested by the Deaneries will be addressed and discussed. On the second day, the Recollection will take place at 3:00 p.m., followed by the Chrism Mass at 5:00 p.m. at the Cathedral. Fr. Dominic Vas, OCD, will preach the Recollection. The Chrism Mass, at which the Oils are consecrated by the Bishop, surrounded by his presbyterium, manifests the communion of priests with their Bishop. The priests, religious and lay faithful gathered with the Bishop are the true sign of the particular Church. This is indeed the Jubilee of Priesthood. It is a joyful occasion when priests renew the promises made during their Ordination. It is during this Mass that the unity of the priesthood and the sacrifice of Christ, living on in the Church, is made evident. Let us join with one mind and heart to build the people of God for our own sanctification and that of others. I warmly welcome all the priests, religious, and lay faithful to join in this celebration.

The Holy Week and Easter: As we step into the Holy Week on the 13th of this month, we enter into moments of intense prayer and contemplation. We need to participate in the pain and suffering of our divine Master and realise what he has undergone to bring us new life through the forgiveness of sins and by rising from the dead. He has opened a window to have a glimpse of new life we are destined for. With Easter, we celebrate the Lord’s victory over sin, evil and death. Being the members of the Body of Christ, we are called to have a share in what the Head has achieved. However, we should take care that we are not severed from the Body of Christ. May the whole Paschal Mystery capture our minds and hearts so that we benefit much from the mysteries of Our Lord.

Ordination to Priesthood: Our Diocese is going to be blessed with five more Priests. The Ordination ceremony will be held on 30 April 2025 at 9.30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary church, Alangar, Moodbidri. I cordially invite all the Priests to participate in the celebration and welcome the new Priests to the presbyterium. The names of the Deacons who will be ordained Priests are Dn Melvin D’Souza (Nidpalli), Dn Jeevan Shilesh Lobo (Belvai), Dn Marwin Praveen Lobo (Alangar), Dn Avith Pais (Maril), and Dn Vikas Pereira (Hospet). May our affection for them and common prayer help them to live the priesthood zealously and fruitfully. I thank the parents, the parish priests who guided them, the formators in the seminary, and all those who accompanied them during the various stages of their life and ministry. May the Lord bless them all.

Wish you a Happy Easter and the Joy of the Risen Lord.