Two months are already over from the year 2022 and as we step into the third month, it looks the aggressive attack of Covid-19 pandemic is reduced and under control. Let us hope and pray that this improved situation will prevail and human life and activity everywhere come back to normal. While this unabated corona virus has slowed down, the invention of Russia into Ukraine has made nations all over the world to rethink how safe we are of aggression from the mighty and the powerful and insecure in spite of economic, scientific and technological advancement. For those who thought war and aggression were evils of the past are made to realize how wrong we are since greed continues to be the need. Our beloved Holy Father Pope Francis has appealed to Russia to withdraw from its invasion of Ukraine and enter into dialogue. He even overlooking protocol, paid a visit to Russian Embassy in Rome to convey his anguish and sadness over this invention and aggression by Russia. Let us all join hands with rest of the world to pray for peace, tranquility and solidarity.
Three important and meaningful celebrations are awaiting us during this month of March. The first is that of Ash Wednesday on 2nd. With this, we will enter into the holy season of Lent which is a time of preparation for the celebration of Easter. According to Pope Francis, “Lent is a favourable time for personal and community renewal, as it leads us to the paschal mystery of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For our Lenten journey in 2022, we will do well to reflect on Saint Paul’s exhortation to the Galatians: “Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up. So then, while we have the opportunity (kairós), let us do good to all (Gal 6:9-10).” The summery of Pope Francis’ Lenten message is: “Let us not grow tired of praying…..Let us not grow tired of uprooting evil from our lives…… Let us not grow tired of doing good in active charity towards our neighbours”.
On 19th, the Holy Mother the Church invites us to celebrate the solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Having celebrated the year of St Joseph and having reflected seriously over his virtues of fidelity to God’s word and simplicity of life, let us pray to him to make us worthy of Christ’s message of love and service in all simplicity and fidelity.
On 25th we will celebrate the solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord which means the announcement by the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive a son by the power of the Holy Spirit to be called Jesus (Luke 1:26–38).
I invite you all dear brothers and sisters to pray for Ukraine so that the innocent people of that land might receive the mighty protection from God to live in peace. May St. Joseph intercede for all of us and the holy season of Lent be one of grace, mercy and abundant blessings.
X Gerald Isaac Lobo
Bishop of Udupi