Bishop's Message

Holy Mother the Church places before us the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple by His Mother the Blessed Virgin Mary on 2^nd of this month. The narrative of the presentation is as follows: “When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”  Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.  Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required,  Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:  “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss  your servant in peace.  For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:  a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”  The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.  Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too” (Luke 2:22-35).

This day is dedicated to life consecrated in the Church which means men and women who through evangelical Counsels of chastity, poverty and obedience commit themselves to live a life set apart for God in a community. This consecration is a sign of total surrender from the worldly life which enriches the Church through their various apostolate and charisms serving Christ solely uniquely and exclusively. Let us pray for all religious men and women in our Diocese so that their consecrated life becomes richer and fruitful through their apostolate which they have been rendering though their committed life for God in the Church. Religious sisters on temporary vows take this day as the day to pronounce their final commitment. May God bless them all and abundantly always. Let us also pray for vocations to religious life and also to diocesan priesthood so that our Diocese too which needs priests to minister as pastors may be abundantly blessed with worthy candidates.

Covid-19 is aggressively making its sway all over knocking at every house to attack. Let’s be watchful and careful and follow instructions to keep it away from attacking us. The virus, as it looks, has become unfortunately a part of our life but God who knows wht is best for us will protect and bless us always and in all circumstances.

Let us say a prayer for our school-going children whose rightful education is being disturbed and many others whose earning of daily bread is affected. Let men and women of goodwill come forward to bring solace in the life of the needy and suffering and help and assistance for those in need. May God bless us all.