the Church offers the Plenary Indulgence and Partial Indulgence for those who fulfil the conditions, applicable only to the souls in purgatory. The Catechism of the Catholic Church shows how the spiritual gifts are exchanged: “Our prayer for them is capable not only of helping them, but also of making their intercession for us effective” (CCC 958). As we become conscious of the communion of the whole Mystical Body of Christ, let us be generous towards the souls in purgatory so that they may be loosed from their sins and be received into the heavenly abode.

The Month of Parish Feasts

In November and in the following months, traditionally, the Parishes celebrate the feasts of the Parish, and these are considered community events. Every family is involved and guests are invited to participate in the festal celebration. Families get united and there is a lot of joy. The Confraternity Sunday, the Vespers on Tuesday and the Feast thereafter enhance family bonding and rejuvenate friendship. I request Parish Priests to make this event a time for greater reflection on the spirituality of the Patron Saint, so that the family spirit is nurtured in the Parish Family and grows in faith. Let us also be frugal in our spending.

Ninaad Bhurgyalem Festh 2K26

The Diocese of Mangalore, as part of the Year of Children, is organising a mega event, Ninaad, and a large number of children and their guardians are expected to come on Sunday, 8 November 2026. The theme of the year itself is the guiding light: “Our Children are the fruits of God’s Kingdom.” I sincerely thank all the commissions and the members who are working hand in hand to make this event a true experience of the joy of having children in our families and in the Church at large. They are our treasure, and from them we learn the values of the Kingdom of God. Let the children teach us how to trust in God and love our neighbour. We look forward to welcoming you.

World Sunday of the Poor

On 14 November, the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, the whole Church is invited to celebrate the World Sunday of the Poor. The poor are always with us, and their number is increasing. In his message for the 10th World Day of the Poor, Pope Leo XIV reflects on God as “the refuge of the poor”, urging Christians to rediscover the central place of the poor and examine our commitment to justice, solidarity and human dignity. The Pope warns that the cry of the poor is often silenced through “a multitude of increasingly subtle tactics”, while the digital world can worsen prejudice and reinforce indifference. Pope Leo underlines that the poor are often more capable than others of recognising what is essential because “they live on the essentials”. Let us not forget to care for the poor, especially those present in our neighbourhood.

Advent Begins

On 29 November 2026, we begin the new Liturgical Year, Cycle B. The speciality of this Liturgical Year is that we focus more on readings from the Gospel of Mark. A large portion of Ordinary Time in Year B is supplemented with readings from the Gospel of John, particularly the “Bread of Life” discourse (John 6). This year is designed to walk the faithful systematically through the life, ministry and teachings of Jesus.

Retreat – II Batch

The second batch of the Retreat will be held in St Joseph Inter-diocesan Seminary from Sunday, 6 December to Friday, 11 December 2026. Please contact the Administrator of the Seminary or the Director of the Pastoral Centre to register your names. A well-known preacher, Rev. Sahaya Cyril Doss SVD from Salem, Tamil Nadu, will guide us. I am sure the retreat will be a time of deepening our faith in Our Lord and will inspire us to offer greater commitment to the cause of God and His people. Please register your names on time so that adequate preparations can be made.

May All Saints intercede for us.