Marian Apparition at Fatima: On 13 May, we commemorate the apparition of Mary in Fatima to the three shepherd children, Jacinta, Francis and Lucy. Mary called them to pray the Rosary so that the war might cease. We are once again in war time. The message of Mary is still relevant today. Her words at Fatima focused on prayer, penance, and reparation to save souls and achieve world peace. She urged daily recitation of the Rosary, devotion to her Immaculate Heart, and abandonment of sin, warning that humanity must amend its lives to avoid divine punishment and further global conflict. Let us heed the call of our Heavenly Mother and pray the Rosary fervently, and plead Lord Jesus, the Prince of Peace, to establish peace and understanding in the world.

Thirtieth Anniversary of Episcopal Ministry: Most Rev. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop Emeritus, completes thirty years of episcopal ministry on 15 May. As a shepherd after the heart of Christ, he has guided the faithful with compassion, wisdom, and tireless dedication, contributing richly to the growth and vitality of the Diocese. We unite in thanking God for the gift of his episcopal ministry and for the many blessings received through his leadership and pastoral care. The clergy, religious, and lay faithful are warmly invited to offer their prayers and good wishes for his intentions, especially for his continued good health and well-being.

Birth Centenary of Late Bishop Basil Salvador D’Souza: Our former Bishop, Most Rev. Basil S. D’Souza, was born on 23 May 1926. This year marks the centenary of his birth. The Diocese of Mangalore remains deeply indebted to Bishop Basil for his visionary leadership, especially in initiating and implementing the teachings of the Second Vatican Council in our Diocese. He imparted a strong missionary orientation to the local Church, the fruits of which continue to be felt even today.

He was ordained Bishop of the Diocese on 11 May 1965 and faithfully shepherded the people entrusted to his care with zeal and dedication. He was called to his eternal reward on 5 September 1996; this year marks the 30th anniversary of his demise. I invite the entire Diocese to offer prayers for the repose of his soul. Kindly remember him in the Holy Eucharist on his birth anniversary, 23 May. Where it is pastorally more convenient, this intention may also be included on 24 May, Pentecost Sunday, when the parish community gathers in full. May the Lord grant him eternal rest and reward him for his faithful service to the Church.

New Priests Manifest Jesus’ Face to Us: On 16 April, God gave us five new priests. While I congratulate the newly ordained Priests, Fr Jeevan D’Souza, Fr Loyd Rohan D’Souza, Fr Joel Monteiro, Fr Denzil Rodrigues and Fr Avil Santhumayor for their generous self-offering, I invite all to pray for them that they may remain faithful to the Lord all through their life. I sincerely thank their Parents, Priests who accompanied them in their life’s journey, the Formators in the Seminaries and all the benefactors who have contributed towards their formation. I especially thank the Parish Priest of Cordel and the Parishioners who made all the necessary arrangements for the ceremony of ordination and all who have contributed in one way or the other. God bless you all.

Transfer of Priests and New Mission: In this month and in the next, transfers of Priests take place. Dear Brother Priests, the life in a Parish or Institution impresses a deep mark in the life of a Priest, as you too have made a difference in the lives of the People of God. I am sure you will cherish the day you stepped into a new Parish or Institution which now leave behind to take up another mission. Every encounter with any person must be considered as a moment of grace as God meets us in the persons we come across in our lives. As you move into the new place, may the Lord accompany you and may Mother Mary, Mother of Priests, intercede for you. Do not forget to pray for your successor and the people and also assist your successor for smooth transition. I sincerely thank you for your self-sacrifice in the past years.

A Word of Gratitude: On March 25 and 26, we had the pastoral consultation at St Antony’s Ashram, Recollection and Chrism Mass in the Cathedral. We experienced love of Christ through our brother priests, both diocesan and religious. I thank the Director and his Assistants at St Antony’s Ashram and his team, the Secretary of the Council of Priests and his team for organizing the whole event. I am indebted to the Vicar General, the Rector of the Holy Rosary Cathedral, the Preacher of the Recollection, and the Confessors. May the risen Christ bless you all.

Let us earnestly pray the Holy Rosary for world peace.