Most Rev. Dr. Lawrence Pius Dorairaj

Bishop of Dharmapuri

Shepherd's Voice

Message for the Month of July 2026

Dear Fathers, Religious, and Faithful of the Diocese, Grace and peace to you in the Lord Jesus Christ. The month of July holds a special place in the hearts of Christians in India as we celebrate the Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle, the Patron of India and the first herald of the Gospel in our land. His life and witness continue to inspire us to deepen our faith and renew our commitment to Christ and His Church. St. Thomas is often remembered for his doubt. Yet, his story is not one of disbelief but of transformation. When he encountered the Risen Lord, his doubts disappeared, and he made one of the most profound declarations of faith recorded in the Scriptures: “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). Through this encounter, Thomas teaches us that genuine faith is born from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In today's world, many people struggle with uncertainty, fear, and questions about faith. St. Thomas reminds us that God is patient with our doubts and invites us to seek Him sincerely. The Lord did not reject Thomas because of his questions; instead, He drew him closer and strengthened his faith. The same Lord continues to accompany us in our journey of faith. According to the ancient tradition of the Church, St. Thomas brought the Gospel to India and planted the seeds of Christianity through his preaching, sacrifices, and martyrdom. The faith we profess today is part of this rich apostolic heritage. We are called not only to cherish this gift but also to share it with others through our words, actions, and witness of Christian life. As Pope Francis reminds us, “Faith grows when it is lived and shared.” Faith cannot remain a private possession. It must become a light that shines in our families, parishes, schools, and society. In a world often wounded by division and violence, Christians are called to be instruments of peace, hope, and reconciliation. St. John Paul II encouraged the faithful with the words: “Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors to Christ.” These words remain relevant today. When Christ is welcomed into our hearts, He transforms our lives and enables us to become courageous witnesses of the Gospel. The Feast of St. Thomas is also an invitation to renew our missionary spirit. Every baptized person is a missionary disciple. Through prayer, charity, service to the poor, and fidelity to the Gospel, we participate in the mission entrusted to the Apostles. Let us especially encourage our young people to discover Christ and respond generously to His call. Let us meditate on the words of Sacred Scripture: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29) “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19) “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) As we celebrate this great Apostle, let us pray for our Diocese, our families, our priests and religious, and all who seek the truth. May St. Thomas intercede for us, strengthen our faith, and help us proclaim with conviction and joy: “My Lord and my God!” May the blessings of the Risen Lord be upon you and your loved one. With my prayers and apostolic blessing, + Lawrence Pius, D.D., Bishop of Dharmapuri

Engagements

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05 Jul

TNBC Annual Meeting

All Day
11 Jul

Feast Day Mass of St. Benedict

11:00 am
12 Jul

Feast Day and Confirmation Holy Mass

8:30 am
12 Jul

Grandparents Day

11:00 am
12 Jul

Marriage Preparation Class

3:00 pm
13 Jul

Classes at St. Peter's

All Day
16 Jul

Holy Mass

3:00 pm
17 Jul

Ecumenism - Training Program

10:00 am
18 Jul

Feast Day Holy Mass

6:00 pm
19 Jul

Feast Day Mass

8:30 am
19 Jul

Feast Day and Confirmation

10:30 am
20 Jul

Flag Hoisting

6:00 pm
22 Jul

On-Going Formation

All Day
25 Jul

Hosur Vicariate Pious Associations Meet

12:00 pm
25 Jul

Holy Mass

6:00 pm
05 Jul

TNBC Annual Meeting

All Day
11 Jul

Feast Day Mass of St. Benedict

11:00 am
12 Jul

Feast Day and Confirmation Holy Mass

8:30 am
Latest Updates

Diocesan News

04 Jul
announcement

Diocesan Educational Fund

As every year, this year too I make an earnest appeal to all the Parish Priests and the Heads of the Institutions, both diocesan and Religious to contribute your mite to the education of the poor and deserving children of our diocese. Please be generous for this cause.

04 Jul
announcement

On – Going Formation

There will be On – Going formation for diocesan clergy next month. The dates for the on - going formation this year will be on 22nd and 23rd July 2026. Please mark these dates in your diary. All diocesan priests are expected to attend without fail.

04 Jul
circular

Pastoral Plan for the Diocese

04 Jul
news

Submission of Annual Accounts

The Annual Accounts for the financial year 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 should be properly prepared and submitted to the Office of the Financial Administrator at the earliest. The Annual Accounts should be complete, accurate, and accompanied by all necessary supporting documents.  If you have any queries or require further details, please contact, Financial Administrator. Fr. S. Isaias Financial Administrator

04 Jul
news

Financial Registers and Property Records

Financial forms and account notebooks have already been distributed as booklet and digital paper to every parish, school, hostel, and institution. The purpose of this initiative is:  to safeguard all diocesan properties through proper documentation. Accordingly:  The Annual Balance Sheet and the Property Register must correspond accurately.  All movable and immovable properties should be properly recorded and updated.  Any discrepancy between the financial records and the property register should be rectified immediately. If you have any queries or require further details, please contact, Financial Administrator. Fr. S. Isaias Financial Administrator

04 Jul
news

Visit of the Centralization Committee

This is to inform you that the Centralization Committee appointed by me will be conducting visit with parishes, schools, and hostels in the coming days as part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen coordination and ensure effective administrative functioning in the diocese. The committee is expected to visit each parish, school, and hostel individually at the Vicariate Level from 2nd of July – 4th July 2026 & 6th, & 7th, and 13th and 14th July 2026. You are kindly requested to fill the concerned financial forms and keep relevant documents: Cash Book, Ledger Book, Subscription & Dum Box Collection Book, Bank Pass Book, Mass Account Book etc., and school, hostel reconciliation statement ready for review. Your full co-operation is essential for the smooth functioning and shared mission of our diocese. If you have any queries or require further details, please contact, Financial Administrator. Fr. S. Isaias Financial Administrator

Calendar

Upcoming

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Celebrations of the Month

07

Rev. Fr. George Jackson Louis

12

Rev. Fr. Gnanapragasam

17

Rev. Fr. S. Savariappan

17

Rev. Fr. S. Isaias

17

Rev. Fr. Arul Rosario

19

Rev. Fr. M. Benjamin

22

Rev. Fr. Alvin Kumar

23

Rev. Fr. Madalaimuthu Bosco

25

Rev. Fr. James Peter

29

Rev. Fr. M. Antonisamy

03

Rev. Fr. A. Thomas

13

Rev. Fr. Henry Bonal Mep

13

Rev. Fr. S. Henry George

22

Rev. Fr. A. Madalaimuthu

22

Rev. Fr. Antony Madalaimuthu

25

Rev. Fr. K. Arockia James

25

Rev. Fr. S. Christopher

25

Rev. Fr. S. James

22

Rev. Fr. Stephen

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