Christmas Message - 2009

We have already started Advent, proximate preparation for Christmas this year. During this period of Advent, we will hold several spiritual programs to prepare ourselves and our faithful for the worthy celebration of Christmas. This being the year of Priests, we have taken a pledge to renew ourselves and thereby renew the community which we serve. Our main theme is - "Our Pastoral Ministry" to our people. We have to strive hard to present ourselves to our faithful the image of Christ - the Good shepherd the Light of the Nations, the Bread of life. I had given a call to all our priests to make a annual retreat. A good number of Priests have made their retreat either in the first batch or by going to other places where opportunities were provided. I feel very happy at the efforts you make in updating yourselves spiritually. The second batch of annual retreat will take place in the seminary from 6th December (8 p.m.) to 11th December (noon). All those who have not attended the retreat must attend. Please inform your attendance to the administrator of the Seminary immediately.

The convention of the faithful will be concluded on 3rd January 2010. I request as many Priests as possible to attend the Mass at Milagres at 4p.m. followed by the procession to the Cathedral. Please encourage the faithful also to attend the same. From December 30, 2009 the Bible Exhibition will take place at Milagres College Ground. As we have already told you, please make your faithful to see the exhibition and draw fruit.

I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Grace filled New Year 2010. I feel a word of gratitude is not out of place here. You Priests, religious, Deacons and lay faithful, have given me your full co-operation during the year. God has blessed the whole Diocese with manifold blessings and your active co-operation. I thank you and invoke God's blessing upon every one of you. Kindly convey my greetings to your faithful. Wherever you are, make your community a witnessing one and a peaceful one. May Jesus - Prince of Peace bless you abundantly to achieve this.

+ Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza
Bishop of Mangalore