Papal Intention for March: Pope Leo has urged us to pray that nations pursue every possible avenue for disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament, and that world leaders choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy instead of violence. Many wars could be prevented if constructive dialogue were initiated and diplomatic relations strengthened. A lack of goodwill on both sides, along with a tendency to retaliate, causes significant damage to lives and property. May our prayers rise to heaven so that world leaders make every possible effort to disarm nations and to value and protect human life and property.
Women’s Day – March 8: On this Women’s Day, we gratefully acknowledge and celebrate the dignity, vocation, and invaluable contribution of every woman. As St John Paul II beautifully expressed in his Letter to Women (1995), the Church and the world say “thank you” to women—for being mothers, daughters, sisters, wives, consecrated persons, and professionals, and for enriching society with their unique “feminine genius.” Women reveal in a special way the capacity for welcome, sensitivity, generosity, and steadfast love. They remind humanity that true greatness is found not in domination, but in self-giving. May every woman be respected, supported, and given the space to flourish in her God-given dignity and mission.
Pastoral Consultation: On the 25th and 26th of March, we will hold the Pastoral Consultation at Sambram Hall, St Antony’s Ashram. Issues related to our pastoral life, liturgy, children, youth, faith formation, and education will receive special attention and deeper reflection. As this year has been designated the Year of Children, I appeal to all the priests to suggest creative ways to make it truly fruitful. A few programmes have already been proposed at the diocesan and parish levels, and some are currently being implemented. May the children, who held a privileged place in the heart of Christ, find a profound echo in our hearts as well. May they truly experience that the Church loves them.
The Chrism Mass will be held on the 26th in the evening (5.00pm) at the Cathedral. It is a moment of profound spiritual renewal, when the entire presbyterium, along with the religious and the laity, gathers around the altar of the Lord in unity. The oils that are blessed signify God’s desire to share the life of our Lord Jesus Christ with us and to enter into a personal communion with each one. Through these sacred oils, our people are sanctified, and the Lord consoles and strengthens them with His Spirit. May our presence and our prayers for the whole Church rise to heaven for our local Church.
Way of the Cross at Pezar: On 31 March, following the Holy Mass at 5:00 pm, the traditional Way of the Cross will take place, proceeding in prayer to the Hill of the Holy Cross. This year’s theme is “Touch the Suffering Flesh of Christ” (Dilexi Te, 49). Kindly announce the Way of the Cross at Pezar in all the churches so that more and more faithful may participate with their families. May our care and concern for suffering humanity—in whom Christ continues to suffer—resonate in every heart. May this spiritual event bear abundant fruits for all.
Holy Week: This year, Holy Week runs from Palm Sunday, March 29, to Easter Sunday, April 5. It is a sacred time of immense grace—not only for our people but also for us who are called to shepherd them. I urge you to celebrate the sacred liturgies with deep devotion and careful preparation, so that through our ministry the faithful may truly experience the nearness, compassion, and saving love of Christ. Holy Thursday reminds us in a special way of the gift and responsibility of our priesthood. Good Friday brings us to the foot of the Cross, where we rediscover the meaning of our vocation: to lay down our lives in love, uniting our burdens and sacrifices with Christ. The Easter Vigil and the joy of the Resurrection renew our certainty that light conquers darkness and life triumphs over death. As shepherds, we are called to be living witnesses of this hope— men of faith who are alive, courageous, and radiant. May Our Lady of Sorrows pray for us as we accompany her in her great pain.
