BISHOP’S MESSAGE FOR MARCH 2024

Papal Intention for March: Pope Francis invites the whole Church to pray for the new martyrs who risk their lives for the Gospel.Their undaunted courage and enthusiasm is a model and inspiration for all the baptized. Various parts of the world still need to listento their conviction that Jesus Christ is the Lord and his teaching has eternal value. Many lay persons, priests and religious sisters have courageously borne testimony to Christ. To take a stand for Christ is always risky, for the Cross will immediately cast its shadow on them. Even our country is already sanctified by the blood of martyrs. It is worth letting the Indian and Asian martyrs to inspire us to live the Gospel in these times.

Anniversary of the Election of Pope Francis: On the 13th of this month, Pope Francis completes eleven years of his pontificate. All these years, he has been boldly leading the Church amid all vicissitudes and has made us to focus on the synodality of the Church and on the poor. He desires the Church to be “God’s home and family, a Church that is closer to the lives of her people, less bureaucratic and more relational” (A Synodal Church in Mission, Synthesis Report, Chapter I, b). He boldly affirms: “I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church

which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security” (Evangelii Gaudium, 9). As we have been reflecting on the synodal Church, let us make the dream of Pope Francis come true in our local Church. He said: “I want a Church which is poor and for the poor. They have much to teach us. Not only do they share in the sensus fidei, but in their difficulties they know the suffering Christ” (Evangelii Gaudium, 198). Let the poor teach us how to recognize the suffering Christ, living his passion in the suffering humanity. Let us pray for the Roman Pontiff, the successor of Peter, as a sign of unity and communion.

“Donate a Tile with a Smile” (Moga Na’llo): The CODP campaign “Donate a Tile with a smile” is an attempt to wipe the tears of the poor in our Diocese. The housing project is picking up momentum, and many are coming forward to give their share to provide shelter to the poor. You may donate as many tiles as possible (one tile is equal to Rs 10,000) so that we bear the burden of one another. This year’s Lenten sacrifice, together with this drive Moga Na’llo, and the generous donations of donours, will bring solace to people. Many Parish Priests have given leadership in building new and repairing old houses. I sincerely thank the Director of CODP, Fr Vincent D’Souza, the Housing Committee, the donours, all the Parish Priests, the SVP members and generous parishioners. God bless you all. Pastoral Consultation, Recollection and Chrism Mass (20 and 21 March): This is a wonderful occasion to experience the sacramental brotherhood of priests. Vatican II, on the Ministry and Life of Priests, Presbyterorum Ordinis, highlights the priestly fraternity: “Each and every priest, therefore, is united with his fellow priests in a bond of charity, prayer and total cooperation. In this manner, they manifest that unity which Christ willed, namely, that his own be perfected in one so that the world might know that the Son was sent by the Father” (n. 8). I cordially invite all the priests, whether diocesan or religious and deacons of Mangalore Diocese to come together to share in these fraternal

celebrations. I request the Parish Priests to announce in the Parishes and encourage people to articipate in the Chrism Mass, to be held at the Cathedral on March 21 at 05.00 p.m. Fr Daniel Veigas, OP, will preach for the Recollection.

Day of Prayer and Fasting: The CBCI, during its General Assembly, through its Message dated ebruary 7, 2024, appealed to all Christ’s Faithful to observe a Day of Prayer and Fasting on Friday, March 22, 2024 for peace and harmony in our country.

As Christians our first response is Prayer to the current situation and challenges in our country, for “with God all things are possible” (Mt 19:26). Dear Parish Priests, please organize adoration or prayer meetings on this day so that the whole Church prays for the well-being of every Indian citizen.

Ecumenical Endeavours: Mangalore Christian Council (MCC) and Mangalore Diocesan Ecumenical Commission,together with the Senior Citizens of Bejai Parish, will be organizing a Lenten Meditation on the Passion and Cross of Christ Jesus on Friday, March 1, 2024 from 9.30 a.m. to 01.00 p.m. at Bejai Hall,for Senior Citizens. Please encourage the Senior Citizens of your Parish to attend this spiritual enrichment.

On March 15, 2024, the United Christian Forum of Mangalore Zone together with MCC and Diocesan Commissionfor Ecumenism, will organize the Pastors’ Lenten Prayer Fellowship at Sahodaya Hall, near Karnataka Theological College, Balmatta. I request the Priests to join in this prayer experience and reflection together with the of Pastors of other Christian Churches. The Prayer and Reflection begin at 9.30 a.m. Easter is the centre of our Christian faith. The Passion, Death and Resurrection of Our Lord is the kernel of the whole

Christian life. St Paul writes: “if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God” (1 Cor 15: 14-15). He firmly asserts: “In fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first

fruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Cor 15: 20). Easter invites us to live as people raised with Christ. Wishing you a fruitful Lenten season, a wonderful Holy Week and joyful Ester.

 

May the Risen Lord bless each and every member of all families. 

􀀁  Peter Paul Saldanha

 Bishop of Mangalore