Administrator's Message
The Pastor Speaks …..
The Pastor Speaks .....
Dear Fathers, Brothers, Sisters and People of God
The month of November is significant liturgically and ecclesiastically for the Church. The Church celebrates the commemoration of All Saints encouraging us to follow their example of holiness. The Church triumphant reminds us all to look forward. The commemoration of All Souls reminds us of the hope of resurrection and the interconnectedness of the Church – the communion of saints (Church triumphant, suffering and militant). As November draws the Church calendar to a close, the readings reflect on Christ’s second coming and final judgement, urging us to live in hope and readiness. The solemnity of Christ the King brings to focus the ultimate authority of Jesus and calls us to serve in His kingdom of justice, mercy and peace.
We have just closed the Synod on Synodality on the 27th of last month, a significant moment for the Church. The synod is not merely an event but a process of walking together, listening and discerning how the Church can better reflect Christ’s mission. The spirit of synodality emphasizes inclusion, dialogue and communion – values also embodied by the saints.
As we remember the saints and the faithful departed, we are reminded that our mission as a Church is not finished. The journey of synodality invites every member – the clergy, religious and laity to listen deeply to the joys, hopes and concerns of one another, work together to build a church that reflects the mercy and justice of Christ, include the marginalised in our communities as Jesus did throughout his ministry.
The letter to the Hebrews speaks about the cloud of witnesses (12/1-2): We are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses. These witnesses inspire us to run the race faithfully encouraging us to persevere in faith. The call to synodality is a call to justice and mission, ensuring that the Church reflects the kingdom of God. “Let justice roll down like waters..”
Most Rev. Dr. Jaya Rao Polimera
Apostolic Administrator of Archdiocese of Visakhapatnam
As the synod concludes, we are called to continue the journey of synodality in our parishes and communities. This means embracing a spirit of dialogue within families, parishes and dioceses. It means welcoming and including those on the margins ensuring that everyone has a voice. It also means building bridges within the Church, focusing on what unites us rather than divides. The synod reminds us that we are not just passive members of the Church but active participants in Christ’s mission. Just as the saints modelled holiness and service, we are invited to live out our faith in communion with others. Synodality teaches us that even when we disagree, we can still walk together.
This November, as we honour the saints, pray for the faithful departed and reflect upon the Feast of Christ the King, let us renew our commitment to the journey of synodality. Every person has a role to play in the life and the mission of the Church. With the saints as our inspiration, the faithful departed in our prayers, and Christ as our King, we journey forward together – living in hope, working for justice and building a Church rooted in communion and love.
In this journey of faith, we look to Mary, the Mother of the Church as our model of listening, discernment and communion. At the Annunciation, Mary listened attentively to God’s call and responded with openness: “Let it be done to me according to your word”. .c(Lk 1/38). She also journeyed with others- accompanying Elizabeth in joy standing at the foot of the Cross in sorrow and praying with the apostles at Pentecost. Mary’s life reflects the heart of synodality listening to God and others, walking in unity and trusting in the Holy Spirit. May Mary inspire us to walk together in faith and love building Christ’s Kingdom.
Yours in Christ
† Jaya Rao Polimera
Bishop of Eluru & Apostolic Administrator,
Archdiocese of Visakhapatnam