Bishop’s Message for Newsletter – December ‘25

Mary, Mission, and the Mystery Made Flesh: A December Journey of Grace

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we enter the beautiful month of December, our hearts turn naturally toward Mary, toward mission, toward the mystery of the Word made flesh, and toward the grace-filled conclusion of the Jubilee Year 2025. This month gathers the deepest movements of our faith into a single melody of hope.

Saint Francis Xavier: A Mission that Still Burns

On 3 December, we honour Saint Francis Xavier, patron of missions and a towering witness in our land. His passion for the Gospel, his love for the poor, and his tireless journeys reveal what a heart seized by Christ can accomplish. As Mater Populi Fidelis reminds us, authentic devotion to Mary always leads to mission. Like Xavier, may we go “to the frontiers” of our diocesan life - reaching the young, strengthening families, lifting the vulnerable, and becoming a Church that listens, accompanies, and leads by humble service.

Immaculate Conception: Mary, the First Light of Redemption

On 8 December, the Church contemplates the Immaculate Conception - Mary preserved from sin, wholly open to God, the dawn before the rising sun. She reminds us that grace precedes every good work. In Mater Populi Fidelis, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith urged the Church to rediscover Mary not only as the Mother of the Redeemer but also as the Mother of a faithful people: a companion in discernment, a guardian of hope, and a model of missionary discipleship. May this Marian feast draw our families, parishes, and ministries into a deeper purity of intention and a renewed readiness to say, like her, “Let it be done to me.”

Christmas: God Comes Close

In the holy night of Christmas, we behold the tenderness of God: the Word who pitched His tent among us. The Child of Bethlehem assures us that no darkness is final and no heart is too distant for His mercy. This year, let Christmas renew in us the courage to build communion - in our homes, in our neighbourhoods, and in our parishes. Let us make space for Christ by making space for one another, especially the poor, the lonely, and those searching for meaning.

Conclusion of the Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope as the Holy Family

On 28 December, the Feast of the Holy Family, we formally conclude the Jubilee Year in the Local Churches. We have walked a year-long pilgrimage of hope; now we must carry its fruits into daily life. The Holy Family of Nazareth teaches us how: Jesus shows us the centre, Mary shows us trust, Joseph shows us quiet fidelity. As we close the Jubilee, let every home in our diocese become a small Nazareth - places of prayer, work, forgiveness, and solidarity. May our parishes continue the Jubilee spirit through renewed Bible formation, stronger youth engagement, care for the elderly, and a culture of listening that marks a truly synodal Church.

Dear Rev. Fathers, Religious Brothers and Sisters,

December is a month of grace upon grace. May Mary Immaculate guide us, Saint Francis Xavier inspire us, the Child Jesus bless us, and the Holy Family accompany us into a new year. 

In a very special way, I wish to extend my sincere thanks to you all for your steadfast support throughout my first year of episcopal ministry. Your presence has been invaluable, and I look forward to continuing this journey together. With gratitude for your faith and your witness, I extend to each of you my affectionate blessings. 

With prayerful good wishes for a holy Advent and a joyful Christmas.

May God bless you all!

With mercy and hope,

+ Ambrose Pitchaimuthu
Bishop of Vellore