Walking Forward as Pilgrims of Hope in the New Year 2026

As we stand at the dawn of this New Year 2026, our hearts overflow with profound gratitude to the Almighty God for the abundant graces showered upon our Diocese during the past year. We have just concluded the extraordinary Jubilee Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope - a blessed time that has reinforced our belief that the light of Christ can penetrate even the deepest shadows of our world.

I wish to express my deepest appreciation to all who tirelessly worked to make our Christmas celebrations meaningful. Special thanks to those involved in organizing the Christmas Mela on December 25th; despite your demanding schedules, your hard-work brought the joy of the Nativity to the hearts of many. As these festive echoes fade and we return to the “plain” of our daily routines, let us carry the simplicity and peace of the manger with us.

Beautiful Church decoration on the New Year

Furthermore, I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Jubilee Committee and all volunteers who planned and executed the various activities of the past year. Your dedicated efforts in organizing the concluding ceremony of the “Pilgrims of Hope” Jubilee ensured that we closed this holy door with hearts transformed in mission. Let us carry forward the Jubilee spirit in the coming days till we reach the final destination - our eternal home with our Creator.

In the month of January, we observe the Christian Unity Octave (January 18–25), leading up to the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. The theme for 2026 is: “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called” (Ephesians 4:4). Let us pray fervently for the visible unity of all believers, so that there may truly be “one flock and one master”.

Our concern extends to the well-being of all in our society. Let us pray for the safety and security of all people and their places of worship, recognizing the constitutional rights of all citizens, especially minorities. May God grant wisdom to our national and local leaders to to govern with justice and equity, safeguard every citizen  so that all may live in harmony and peace.

Our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, in his recent Urbi et Orbi message and his first encyclical, Dilexite (“I have loved you”), has emphasized a “Church for the poor” and the necessity of “unarmed and disarming peace.” He teaches that peace is not merely the absence of war but a way of life that rejects systemic violence.

For the month of January 2026, the Pope’s universal prayer intention is “For Prayer with the Word of God.” He invites us to pray that the Word may be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope, helping us build a more fraternal and missionary Church.

As we enter on this new year, let us take to heart the Pope’s theme for the 2026 World Day of Peace: “Towards an 'unarmed and disarming' peace.” Let our words be seeds of goodness, and our actions be bridges of reconciliation in our neighbourhoods.

May the Lord bless each of you and your families in 2026. May we walk steadfastly in His path, live uprightly and grow daily in His infinite love.

God bless you all!