Faith Rooted in Apostolic Witness : A Call to Fortitude and Peace

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

A Renewed Heart for a Renewed Mission

Dear Reverend Fathers, Sisters, Brothers, and Beloved Faithful,

Greetings of peace and blessings to you all in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord!

The month of August, marked by national pride, Marian devotion, and ecclesial remembrance, brings with it multiple graces and invitations. It is a providential time for us as a diocesan family to listen to the Spirit, rediscover our identity, and renew our commitment to mission. In this context, I wish to reflect with you on four significant events that illuminate our path forward as a Church journeying together in hope and holiness.

1. Saint John Mary Vianney – Patron of Priests (4 August)

On the 4th of August, we celebrate the Feast of Saint John Mary Vianney, the Curé of Ars, the humble parish priest who transformed an entire village through the power of holiness, simplicity, and pastoral charity. His life is an enduring reminder that the true strength of the priest lies not in status or eloquence but in personal sanctity, prayer, and compassionate service.

In a time when priesthood is often misunderstood and even challenged, St. Vianney invites us-especially the clergy-to remain rooted in the Eucharist, tireless in the confessional, and available to our people. He reminds us that a priest is not his own; he belongs to God and to God’s people. Let this feast be a moment for all our priests to engage in honest reflection: Is my heart on fire for Christ and His people? Let every presbytery become a house of prayer,and every priest a bridge between heaven and earth.

I encourage you, dear priests, to make time for spiritual renewal, fraternity, and personal encounter with the Word. May our presbyterate be marked by unity, humility, and holiness, in the spirit of our heavenly patron.

2. Dalit Black Day (10 August)

Each year on 10 August, we observe Dalit Black Day-a day of protest, marking the continued denial of Scheduled Caste status to Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims, even after 75 years of constitutional democracy. This observance is not merely a social event but a Gospel imperative, a call to justice and equality, echoing the words of Jesus: “Whatever you did for the least of these, you did to me” (Mt 25:40).

We must stand in unwavering solidarity with our brothers and sisters who face systemic exclusion and denial of rights. The Church cannot remain silent in the face of injustice. Let our diocesan voice rise in prophetic unity, demanding constitutional reform and human dignity for all.

This is also a time for self-examination. Are our communities inclusive? Are we affirming the dignity of every person regardless of caste or background? Let us walk the Gospel path of justice, mercy, and reconciliation.

3. Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary and Cathedral Parish Feast (15 August)

On 15 August, we celebrate three luminous feasts: at the national level, we celebrate the Independence Day, and the ecclesial level, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the patronal feast of our Cathedral Parish. The Assumption is a powerful sign of Christian hope-Mary, body and soul, taken into heavenly glory, reminds us that our true homeland is not here, but in the eternalmembrace of God.

Mary is the first disciple, the mother of the Church, and the star that guides us in the darkness. Her life was one of faithful surrender and joyful service. As a Diocese under her maternal care, let us renew our consecration to her, especially in our families, religious communities, and pastoral ministries.

On this day, we also celebrate the heart of our diocese-the Cathedral Parish. May the feast be a time of thanksgiving for the life and mission of this parish, a spiritual lighthouse for all our faithful. Let us pray for our Bishop, our clergy, and the diocesan leadership that they may shepherd the flock with the mind of Christ and the heart of Mary.

I urge every parish to organize Marian novenas, youth and children’s gatherings, social outreach, and Eucharistic adoration as part of this double celebration. May Mary’s ‘Yes’ become our diocesan ‘Yes’ to mission and renewal.

As we hoist the flag and sing the national anthem on the Independence Day, we give thanks for the freedom we enjoy-won through the sacrifices of many. Yet, freedom is not complete unless it reaches every citizen, especially the poor, the excluded, and the voiceless.

As disciples of Christ and citizens of India, we are called to be active agents of justice, peace, and national harmony. Let us form our children and youth to love the nation deeply and to build it responsibly, rooted in Gospel values and constitutional ideals.

4. A Call to Spiritual Renewal of Clergy, Religious, and Laity

We are now in the Year of Preparation for Jubilee 2025, and the whole Church is expected to enter a time of spiritual renewal. Renewal is not merely a program or plan; it is a return to the heart of the Gospel, to the freshness of faith, to the fire of the Spirit.

I earnestly call upon all members of our diocesan family-priests, religious, and lay faithful-to take this call seriously. Priests, let your pulpits proclaim Christ with conviction and joy. Religious, let your consecration shine through lives of simplicity, compassion, and community. Lay faithful, especially our families, youth, and catechists- be the seedbed of hope, prayer, and evangelization in your neighbourhoods and villages.

Let us revive the basic Christian communities, increase devotion to the Word of God and the Holy Eucharist, and prioritize ongoing formation in our pastoral settings. It is only through such renewal that our diocese can grow in holiness and mission.

Beloved people of God, let us receive this month as a time of grace. Guided by the example of Saint John Mary Vianney, standing withnthe Dalits in justice, walking with Mary in faith, and committing ourselves to deep renewal-may we together build a diocese that reflects the Kingdom of God.

Let us remain united in prayer and mission. With gratitude and trust, I commend all your efforts to the Heart of Jesus and the maternal care of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven.

Yours in the Lord’s service,

With mercy and hope,

+ Ambrose Pitchaimuthu
Bishop of Vellore