Our Shepherd

My Dear Fathers, Sisters and Laity, Grace and peace to you in our Lord Jesus Christ. As we journey in the holy season of Lent, the Church invites us once again to journey with Christ from the desert to Calvary, and from Calvary to the glory of the Resurrection. Lent is a sacred time of grace, repentance, renewal, and hope. The Gospel reminds us: “Repent, and believe in the Gospel” (Mark 1:15). Lent is not merely a season of external practices; it is a profound interior conversion. It is a call to return to the merciful heart of God. Lent – A Time of Conversion The prophet Joel cries out: “Return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning” (Joel 2:12). True repentance is not superficial. It is a transformation of the heart. The Church proposes three powerful spiritual weapons: 1. Prayer: Prayer deepens our relationship with God. Jesus Himself prayed and fasted for forty days (Matthew 4:1–11). In prayer, we rediscover our identity as beloved children of God. Pope Francis teaches: “Lent is a journey from slavery to freedom, from suffering to joy, from death to life. Through prayer, we walk from fear to trust. 2. Fasting: Fasting disciplines our body and purifies our intentions. It reminds us that “Man shall not live by bread alone” (Matthew 4:4). 3. Almsgiving: Almsgiving is love in action. Jesus says: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). Let our parishes become centres of charity, reconciliation, and compassion during this holy season. The Way of the Cross – School of Love The Way of the Cross is not just a devotion; it is a school of love and sacrifice. Jesus says: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Each station teaches us something: In His fall, we learn humility. In meeting His Mother, we learn compassion. In Simon of Cyrene, we learn service. In Veronica, we learn courage. In His crucifixion, we learn forgiveness. Pope Benedict XVI said: “The Cross is the true tree of life.” When we walk the Way of the Cross in our parishes and families, we remember that suffering united with Christ becomes redemptive. The Cross in Our Daily Life: The Cross today appears in many forms: Family struggles, financial burdens, Illness, loneliness and social injustice St. Paul reminds us: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Pope John Paul II courageously proclaimed: “Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors to Christ.” The Cross is not defeat; it is victory. Good Friday leads to Easter Sunday. There is no resurrection without the Cross. Let us help our youth understand that sacrifice gives meaning to life. Let us teach our children that love demands generosity. Reconciliation and Mercy Lent is the privileged time for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Lord assures us: “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18). The Cross is the greatest sign of God’s mercy. Pope Francis reminds us: “God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking His mercy.” I urge every parish to organize penitential services and encourage frequent confession. Families should pray together the Way of the Cross every Friday of Lent. Dear faithful, Lent prepares us for Easter joy. The Cross is not the end of the story. Jesus declares: “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). As we carry our crosses, let us remember:  The Cross teaches forgiveness.  The Cross teaches patience.  The Cross teaches unconditional love.   May our Diocese become a living witness of Christ’s sacrificial love. Let this Lent be a time of: Deep prayer, Genuine repentance Acts of charity, Stronger families, Renewed faith May the Blessed Virgin Mary, who stood faithfully at the foot of the Cross, accompany us in this Lenten journey. I invoke God’s abundant blessings upon you and your families. May this Lent bring spiritual renewal and Easter joy to every home. May God bless you all!!! With my prayers and apostolic blessing, + Lawrence Pius, D.D., Bishop of Dharmapuri

My Dear Fathers, Sisters and Laity, Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ as we enter the Year of the Lord 2026. With profound joy and solemnity, I invite you to embrace the holy season of Lent, which commences on Ash Wednesday, February 18. On this day, we receive the sign of ashes, a profound symbol of our human frailty and God's boundless mercy. The prophet Joel urges, "Return to me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning" (Joel 2:12). Through this ancient rite, we acknowledge our dust-like nature and resolve to live as children of the light. The Transformative Power of the Way of the Cross-At the heart of our Lenten pilgrimage lies the Way of the Cross, a devotion that unites us intimately with Christ's Passion. The Stations of the Cross - tracing our Savior's steps from Pilate's hall to the tomb - offer a vivid catechesis on redemptive suffering. Saint John Paul II called it "a journey of faith, hope, and love," inviting us to contemplate how Jesus bore the cross for our salvation. In our parishes, let us gather weekly, especially on Fridays, to pray these stations together. This practice not only strengthens our personal conversion but also builds communion among us, as we carry one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2). In the spirit of the Church's magisterium, as echoed in the Catechism (CCC 1430-33), Lent calls us to the three pillars: prayer, which draws us to God's heart; fasting, which frees us from self indulgence; and almsgiving, which mirrors Christ's charity. Amid today's challenges poverty, division, and spiritual apathy may the Way of the Cross inspire heroic witness. Families, pray it at home; youth, embrace it in schools; couples, walk it as a path to deeper unity in marriage. Jesus teaches us clearly: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” (Luke 6:36–37) Forgiveness is not easy. It asks us to let go of anger, resentment, and the desire for revenge. Yet, forgiveness is the path to freedom,  healing, and true peace. On the Cross, Jesus gave us the greatest example of forgiveness when He prayed: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) During this Lent 2026, we are called to examine our hearts:  Whom do I need to forgive?  Where do I hold bitterness or unresolved wounds?  Am I willing to reconcile and restore broken relationships? Saint Paul reminds us: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32) Forgiveness does not erase pain or deny injustice, but it opens the door for God’s grace to work within us. When we forgive, we resemble Christ and become witnesses of His mercy in our families, communities, and parishes. As we prepare ourselves for the joy of Easter, let us approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation, seek healing, and extend forgiveness generously. Jésus assures us:“If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (Matthew 6:14) May this Lenten season renew our hearts, strengthen our faith, and help us walk together on the path of reconciliation, love, and mercy. Let us forgive one another, as the Lord has forgiven us. I urge our priests to lead vibrant Lenten programs and our faithful to make this season a true metanoia a change of heart. Together, let us journey to Easter, emerging renewed in the power of the Resurrection. May God bless you and keep you always in his love! May God bless you!!! With my prayers and apostolic blessing, + Lawrence Pius, D.D., Bishop of Dharmapuri

My Dear Fathers, Sisters and Laity, A Blessed New Year 2026! As the clock strikes midnight on this New Year's Eve, we stand at the threshold of 2026, invited by God to embrace His light anew. On January 1, we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, who tenderly cradled the Saviour and teaches us to ponder His mysteries in our hearts. Through her fiat - "Let it be done" - Mary shows us the path of humble surrender, birthing Christ in the world and in our souls. Just days later, on Epiphany, we rejoice in the Magi's journey, guided by a star to the King of Kings. This feast reveals Christ as the light for all nations, drawing seekers from every corner of the earth. In 2026, may these twin celebrations illuminate our year: Mary's motherhood calling us to nurture faith within our families and communities, and Epiphany urging us to carry Christ's light outward, crossing borders of culture, language and difference. Embrace Mary as Mother: Begin each day with a simple prayer to Mary, asking her to form Christ in you. In families, consecrate your home to her on January 1 - perhaps with a shared rosary - fostering peace amid life's busyness. Follow the Star of Epiphany: Identify one "migrant" act of outreach this year - visit a neighbor from another background, support refugees in your parish, or share your faith story online. Mary, Our Mother Who Leads and Intercedes Mary, the Mother of God, stands at the heart of our faith as a loving mother who leads God’s people to her Son and continually intercedes for them. From the moment of her yes at the Annunciation, Mary became a guide on the path of faith, teaching us trust, humility, and total surrender to God’s will. She leads us not by words alone, but by example. In silence and obedience, she listens to God, treasures His Word in her heart, and follows Him even through suffering. At Cana, she gently directs the servants - and all of us - toward Jesus with her enduring instruction: “Do whatever He tells you.” Thus, Mary always leads the Church closer to Christ. As a compassionate mother, Mary also intercedes for her children. She knows our struggles, fears, and needs. Standing at the foot of the Cross, she received us as her children, and from heaven she continues to pray for us with a mother’s love. Her intercession brings us comfort in trials, strength in weakness, and hope in moments of despair. As we honor Mary, Mother of God, let us walk under her guidance, trust in her intercession, and learn from her how to live as faithful disciples. Through Mary, may we be led ever closer to Jesus, the source of all grace and salvation. In this New Year, may Mary's intercession and Epiphany's star guide you to deeper communion with God and one another. Go forth as bearers of Christ's light - peace be with you! I wish you “A Happy New Year 2026” & “A blessed and joyous Epiphany” to you all!!! May God bless you!!! With my prayers and apostolic blessing, + Lawrence Pius, D.D., Bishop of Dharmapuri

My Dear Fathers, Sisters and Laity, Holy Mother Church celebrates the Solemnity of Nativity Our Lord Jesus Christ on 25th December. Christmas brings a true message of love to the world! “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth” (Jn 1:14). Grace and truth are shared at Christmas time. The angels sing: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace for those he favours.” (Lk 2:14). The birth of a child is a moment of immense joy and gratitude, a time when families and communities come together to welcome a new life into the world. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Son of God, we are reminded of the profound significance of every child's birth. Each child is a gift from God, a unique and precious creation, entrusted to us to nurture, guide, and love. In the Gospel of Luke, we hear the beautiful story of the angels announcing the birth of Jesus to the shepherds, filling the night sky with heavenly music and proclaiming, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!’ (Luke 2:14). This glorious event marks the beginning of a new era, one where God's love and mercy are extended to all humanity through the gift of His only Son. The birth of a child brings with it a sense of responsibility and purpose. As parents, family members, and caregivers, we are called to provide a loving environment that fosters spiritual, emotional, and physical growth. We are to teach our children the ways of the Lord, to guide them in the path of righteousness, and to be examples of Christ's love in our words and actions. In today's world, where challenges and uncertainties abound, the family remains the foundational unit of society where children can learn the values of compassion, forgiveness, and service to others. It is within the family that children first experience the love of God and are encouraged to live out their faith in practical ways. Therefore, it is crucial that we, as a community of believers, support and strengthen family life, recognizing its pivotal role in the formation of future generations. Let us also take a stand against the culture of death and abortion, which seeks to destroy the most vulnerable among us - the unborn. We must be voices for the voiceless, advocating for the rights and dignity of every human life, from conception to natural death. The Church's teaching is clear: every life is precious, and we must work towards creating a society that values and protects the sanctity of human life. Furthermore, we must reject the notion that limits the number of children a family can have. "Stop at two' is a mantra that contradicts the Gospel values of generosity, hospitality, and trust in God's providence. Instead, we should be open to the gift of life, recognizing that every child is a blessing from God, regardless of economic or social circumstances. Let us strive to create a culture of life, where families are supported and encouraged to welcome every child as a precious gift from God. As we rejoice in the birth of Jesus and celebrate the gift of new life, let us also commit to creating a world that honors the dignity of every child, a world where every child is cherished, protected, and given the opportunity to thrive. Let us pray for all families, that they may be havens of love, peace, and faith, and that through their witness, the light of Christ may shine brightly in our midst. May the blessing of the newborn King be upon all children and families, guiding us to live in accordance with God's will and to find joy in the gift of life that He has so graciously bestowed upon us. Amen." Happy Solemnity of Nativity Our Lord Jesus Christ!!! May God bless you all!!! With my prayers and apostolic blessing, + Lawrence Pius, D.D., Bishop of Dharmapuri

My Dear Fathers, Sisters and Laity, As we draw near to the close of another liturgical year, Holy Mother Church leads us through a sacred trilogy of feasts that lift our eyes to eternity and deepen our understanding of God’s mercy, holiness, and kingship. All Saints Day – November 1st “Be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy” (Lev 19:2) On this solemn day, we rejoice in the communion of saints - those faithful men and women, young and old, from every time and place, who lived their lives rooted in Christ and now rejoice in the eternal glory of heaven.These saints are not distant figures, but our brothers and sisters, interceding for us and showing us that holiness is possible in every state of life. We, too, are called to be saints - not by extraordinary deeds alone, but by faithful love in our daily lives, in our families, our work, and our communities. All Souls Day – November 2nd “It is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead” (2 Macc 12:46) Following the joy of All Saints, the Church pauses in solemn remembrance on All Souls Day, commending to God’s mercy all the faithful departed.We remember especially our loved ones who have gone before us - parents, siblings, friends, and all who await the fullness of redemption in the peace of Christ. Through the sacrifice of the Mass, our prayers, acts of charity, and visits to cemeteries, we assist them on their journey and strengthen our bond with the whole Church - triumphant, militant, and suffering. Let us make this month of November a time of prayer and hope, entrusting all souls to the loving heart of our Savior. Solemnity of Christ the King – Final Sunday of the Liturgical Year “His dominion is an everlasting dominion” (Daniel 7:14) As we come to the end of the Church’s liturgical calendar, we proclaim with renewed faith that Jesus Christ is King of the Universe. In a world often shaken by division, suffering, and uncertainty, Christ remains our unshakable hope.  His kingship is not like that of earthly rulers. He reigns from the Cross, conquers by love, and leads with mercy. When we enthrone Him in our hearts, our homes, and our decisions, we experience the true peace and freedom only He can give.We have a special mission: to make Christ known and loved in every corner of society by our integrity, our compassion, and our daily witness to the Gospel. These feasts - All Saints, All Souls, and Christ the King - remind us of who we are, where we are going, and who leads us: we are God’s people, destined for glory, walking under the reign of Christ.I encourage you to take time this month to pray for the dead, honor the saints, and renew our trust in Jesus, our eternal King. Let us journey together in faith, hope, and love. May all the saints pray for us. May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. And may Christ our King reign in our hearts and in our world. With my prayers and apostolic blessing, + Lawrence Pius, D.D., Bishop of Dharmapuri