Our Shepherd

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