Message for the Month of March 2026

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