Message for the Month of February 2026

My Dear Fathers, Sisters and Laity,

Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ as we enter the Year of the Lord 2026. With profound joy and solemnity, I invite you to embrace the holy season of Lent, which commences on Ash Wednesday, February 18. On this day, we receive the sign of ashes, a profound symbol of our human frailty and God's boundless mercy.

The prophet Joel urges, "Return to me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning" (Joel 2:12). Through this ancient rite, we acknowledge our dust-like nature and resolve to live as children of the light.

The Transformative Power of the Way of the Cross-At the heart of our Lenten pilgrimage lies the Way of the Cross, a devotion that unites us intimately with Christ's Passion. The Stations of the Cross - tracing our Savior's steps from Pilate's hall to the tomb - offer a vivid catechesis on redemptive suffering. Saint John Paul II called it "a journey of faith, hope, and love," inviting us to contemplate how Jesus bore the cross for our salvation. In our parishes, let us gather weekly, especially on Fridays, to pray these stations together. This practice not only strengthens our personal conversion but also builds communion among us, as we carry one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2).

In the spirit of the Church's magisterium, as echoed in the Catechism (CCC 1430-33), Lent calls us to the three pillars: prayer, which draws us to God's heart; fasting, which frees us from self indulgence; and almsgiving, which mirrors Christ's charity. Amid today's challenges poverty, division, and spiritual apathy may the Way of the Cross inspire heroic witness. Families, pray it at home; youth, embrace it in schools; couples, walk it as a path to deeper unity in marriage.

Jesus teaches us clearly: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” (Luke 6:36–37)

Forgiveness is not easy. It asks us to let go of anger, resentment, and the desire for revenge. Yet, forgiveness is the path to freedom, 

healing, and true peace. On the Cross, Jesus gave us the greatest example of forgiveness when He prayed:

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)

During this Lent 2026, we are called to examine our hearts:

 Whom do I need to forgive?

 Where do I hold bitterness or unresolved wounds?

 Am I willing to reconcile and restore broken relationships?

Saint Paul reminds us: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Forgiveness does not erase pain or deny injustice, but it opens the door for God’s grace to work within us. When we forgive, we resemble Christ and become witnesses of His mercy in our families, communities, and parishes.

As we prepare ourselves for the joy of Easter, let us approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation, seek healing, and extend forgiveness generously. Jésus assures us:“If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (Matthew 6:14)

May this Lenten season renew our hearts, strengthen our faith, and help us walk together on the path of reconciliation, love, and mercy.

Let us forgive one another, as the Lord has forgiven us.

I urge our priests to lead vibrant Lenten programs and our faithful to make this season a true metanoia a change of heart. Together, let us journey to Easter, emerging renewed in the power of the Resurrection.

May God bless you and keep you always in his love!

May God bless you!!!

With my prayers and apostolic blessing,

+ Lawrence Pius, D.D.,

Bishop of Dharmapuri