“Heralds of Hope with Mary, the Star
of Evangelization”

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Peace and missionary joy to each of you!

The month of October is a special time of missionary awakening in the life of the Church. It is a time to remember that the Church does not exist for herself, but is sent into the world-as the very word “Church” (ekklesia) suggests-a community called out and sent forth to witness, serve and proclaim the Gospel of hope.

This year, the World Mission Sunday, to be celebrated on 19 October 2025, comes to us with the theme: “Heralds of Hope among the People.” What a timely and powerful reminder in our world today-marked by despair, disillusionment, conflict, and loneliness-that each of us, by baptism, is a bearer of the Good News, a herald of hope, a living sign of God's love for the world.

Mission is the Heartbeat of the Church

The mission is not an activity we do once a year-it is our identity. Pope Francis reminds us: “The Church is missionary by her very nature.” As members of the Diocese of Vellore, we are part of this universal movement of love and proclamation. Whether we are priests, religious, lay faithful, youth, or children-we all share in this vocation: to be signs of Christ’s presence wherever we are planted.

Let us ask: Am I a herald of hope in my family? In my village or parish? In my workplace? In the Church?

Our Lady of the Rosary: The First Missionary Disciple

In this missionary month, we also celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary (7 October). Mary is the Star of Evangelization-the first to receive the Word, the first to carry Him to others, and the first to proclaim His greatness in her Magnificat.

The Rosary is not just a devotion-it is a school of contemplation and mission. As we meditate on the mysteries of Christ through Mary’s eyes, we are sent forth to live those mysteries in the world-with joy, courage, and compassion.

I encourage all families, SCCs, and parish groups to revive the practice of praying the Rosary daily, especially during this month. Through Mary, may our hearts be formed to say “Yes” to the mission of the Church.

Celebrate Mission Sunday in a Grand Manner

This year, I urge all our parishes, institutions, schools, and religious communities to prepare for Mission Sunday (19 October) with prayerful fervour and outward joy. Let it be a grand diocesan celebration marked by:

• Meaningful liturgies and missionary homilies
• Mission exhibitions and cultural programs
• Rosary processions and children’s rallies
• Mission collections with generosity of heart towards the Universal Solidarity Fund
• Outreach to the poor and marginalized

Let us show our solidarity with the Universal Church, especially with the missions in remote and difficult regions of the world. The missionary contribution of our diocese, both in personnel and in spiritual and material support, is a sign of our communion with the Body of Christ worldwide.

Let our youth and catechism teachers take the lead in organizing missionary awareness programs. Let every child know that they are a “little missionary.” Let every parish resound with the spirit of going forth!

From Maintenance to Mission

The Spirit is inviting us to move from maintenance to mission, from inward focus to outward zeal, from fear to hope. As “heralds of hope among the people,” may we carry the Gospel into our families, streets, villages, and digital spaces-not just in words, but in joyful witness.

Let us entrust our missionary efforts to Our Lady of the Rosary, the Queen of Missions, and be strengthened by her maternal intercession.

With mercy and hope,

+Ambrose Pitchaimuthu
Bishop of Vellore