With Mary, for the Church,in Hope!

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Risen Lord,

Peace and blessings to you all!

“As we enter the month of May - radiant with Easter joy, adorned by the presence of Mary our Mother, and marked by the voice of Christ calling His followers - our hearts are stirred by gratitude, reflection and prayer.

Remembering Pope Francis - A Humble Witness of the Gospel

We remember with reverence and affection our beloved Pope Francis, who has returned to the house of the Father. The Church throughout the world grieves, but not without hope. We thank God for giving us a shepherd who led not from a throne, but from the road - walking with the wounded, lifting the poor, reaching out to the marginalized, and reminding us that the heart of the Gospel is mercy.

Pope Francis dared to dream of a Church that listens, accompanies, and embraces. He showed us that to be Catholic is to be compassionate and to be holy is to be human. His legacy lives on in our service, in our synodal journey and in our witness of Christ in the margins.

Let us honour him not just in words, but by embodying his vision in our parishes, institutions, homes and hearts.

Vocation Sunday – “The Harvest is Plentiful”

OnThe Fourth Sunday of Easter (11 May 25) is dedicated to praying for vocations. In our Diocese of Vellore, we are blessed by the dedication of many priests, religious, and lay leaders who serve with quiet fidelity. But the call continues. God still whispers to young hearts, “Come,follow Me.”

I urge every family to be a seedbed of vocations. Speak to your children about the joy of serving God. Help them discern their path with prayer and openness. As a diocese, let us walk together to encourage and form those whom the Lord is calling.

Mary, Our Mother and Model

The month of May is lovingly dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. In her silence, we find trust. In her strength, we find courage. In her intercession, we find peace. Mary is the first missionary of hope, carrying Jesus in her womb and bringing Him into the world.

I invite every family, parish, and institution to revive the beautiful tradition of the daily Rosary. May our children grow up hearing Mary’s name on our lips and feeling her presence in our homes. Let us entrust our diocese, especially our youth, to her maternal care.

As we continue our Jubilee journey toward 2025, let May be a month of memory, mission and Marian devotion. May our beloved Pope Francis intercede for us in heaven and may Mary, Star of Evangelization, lead us to her Son.

God bless you all.

With mercy and hope,

+ Ambrose Pitchaimuthu
Bishop of Vellore