Mercy and Hope : A Journey Together in FaithMercy and Hope : A Journey Together in Faith

Dear Fathers, Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

With a heart full of gratitude and humility, I greet you as a bishop of
the Diocese of Vellore. I thank God for calling me to this sacred
ministry, and I am deeply grateful to all of you for your warm welcome
and prayers. Together, we embark on a journey rooted in my
episcopal motto: “Mercy and Hope.”

Mercy invites us to encounter God’s boundless love, forgiving and
embracing us despite our shortcomings. It calls us to reflect that
same compassion in our families, communities, and to those in need.
Hope, on the other hand, is the light that shines through the darkest
moments, guiding us to trust in God’s promises and to work for a
brighter, more Christ-centred world.

As we step into this holy season of Advent, let us prepare our hearts
for the coming of our Saviour. Advent reminds us to pause, reflect,
and renew our commitment to walk together in mercy and hope.

The birth of Christ at Christmas, the Word made flesh, fills us with
the assurance that God is with us—Emmanuel—and calls us to
embody His love in all that we do.

Looking ahead to the Jubilee Year 2025, a year of renewal and grace,
I invite each one of you to deepen your faith and celebrate our shared
mission. The Jubilee theme, Pilgrims of Hope, resonates with my
own episcopal vision. Let us journey as one family, embracing mercy
and hope in every step we take, ensuring no one is left behind.

I encourage you to participate actively in the spiritual preparations
for Advent, the joy of Christmas, and the transformative celebrations
of the Jubilee Year. Together, let us build a vibrant Church that
witnesses to the mercy of God and radiates hope to the world.

May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Help, and St. Joseph, her most
chaste spouse, intercede for us. May the Christ Child bring abundant
blessings to each of your homes this Christmas and in the year
2025.

With my prayers and blessings,

+ Ambrose Pitchaimuthu
Bishop of Vellore