"He loved us first." (1 Jn. 4:19)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Warm greetings of peace and hope in the Lord
Jesus!

As the Church journeys through the sacred days of June, our hearts are filled with thanksgiving and anticipation. We stand at the confluence of multiple graces - the arrival of a new Holy Father, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the burning love of the Sacred Heart, the tender devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and the beginning of a new academic and pastoral year.

Pope Leo XIV: Shepherd of Peace and Renewal

With joy and prayerful hope, we welcome Pope Leo XIV, elected as the 267th Successor of St. Peter. His first words, “Peace be with you all,” echoed the greeting of the Risen Lord and set the tone for his pontificate - one rooted in reconciliation, humility, and missionary boldness. May his Petrine ministry inspire us to walk together as a Church that listens, heals, and brings hope to the world.

Pentecost: The Spirit Makes All Things New

The Solemnity of Pentecost reminds us that the Church is not a project of human hands, but the living Body of Christ, breathed into being by the Holy Shepherd's Voice "He loved us first." (1 Jn. 4:19) 3 Spirit. The same Spirit who gathered frightened disciples in the Upper Room sends us forth into the world - not with fear, but with fire.

Let us invoke the Holy Spirit upon our diocese, our families, our institutions, and especially our young people and children. May this Pentecost rekindle in us the courage to witness, to serve, and to speak Christ’s peace in a divided world.

Sacred Heart and Immaculate Heart: Two Flames of Love

June also draws us into the mystery of divine and maternal love through the feasts of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

The Sacred Heart reveals a love that is wounded yet unceasing - a heart that beats for all, especially the abandoned, the broken, and the burdened. The Immaculate Heart of Mary reflects that same love in silence, compassion, and unwavering trust. As Pope Francis reminds us, “the Heart of Jesus is the door of hope; the Heart of Mary is the dwelling of peace.” Let us renew our consecration to these two hearts, entrusting our lives, vocations, and ministries to
their embrace.

Transfers and Appointments: In Mission

In light of the pastoral needs of our diocese, I have made the necessary transfers and appointments with prayerful diligence and consultation. I sincerely thank our diocesan and religious priests for their devoted service in their previous roles and appreciate their ongoing dedication and commitment as they assume their new responsibilities.

A New Beginning: Academic and Pastoral Year

To all our students, teachers, and catechists embarking on a new academic year, and to our priests, religious, and lay leaders preparing for the pastoral year, I offer my prayerful blessings. May this year be marked by growth in wisdom, deepening in faith, and widening of love.

Let us walk forward - inspired by the Heavenly Father, filled with the Spirit, and rooted in the Heart of Christ.

With mercy and hope,

+ Ambrose Pitchaimuthu
Bishop of Vellore