My Dear Derebail Parishioners, My blessings and greetings to you all. In the month of November, we experienced abundant blessings from the Lord; may His name be praised. May the Holy Redeemer be by our side during both joyful and challenging moments, blessing us and all our loved ones.

The Vodlem feast we celebrated in November was a joyful moment of thanksgiving. I appreciate the efforts of all our Gurkars, Prathinidhis, Parish and Finance Council members, and the heads and members of all our associations for your tireless work and dedication to the well-being of our parish. May you be rewarded abundantly.

The Season of Advent

The Church gives us another significant liturgical season, Advent, to prepare for the celebration of Christmas. The word Advent comes from the Latin advenio, which literally means "to come." During this season, we are invited to reflect on our journey toward Christ. Advent is a time of profound preparation for the great feast of Christmas. Let us remember that this preparation should focus on Christ Himself and not be distracted by the external festivities of Christmas, such as decorations and sweets. Advent offers us an opportunity to improve our lives and deepen the sincerity of our religious commitment. It is a call to “look up” and recognize that Christ is still with us. We must lift our heads with hope and anticipation, knowing that the Lord is coming again. Let us take inspiration from the German mystic Angelus Silesius: "Christ could be born a thousand times in Bethlehem - but all in vain until He is born in me." I invite all our parishioners to make this season a time of spiritual renewal and blessings. Here are a few concrete suggestions for preparing ourselves for Christmas:

Do's

• Make a sincere Confession and receive the forgiveness of our Lord.
• Read a small passage from the Holy Bible daily.
• Visit the Church or Grotto for a short prayer.
• Forgive someone with whom you may have unresolved issues.
• Visit sick persons in your Ward or parish.
• If possible, visit an orphanage and help someone in need.
• Talk to someone you have never spoken to before.
• Share with a person who has little or nothing.
• Appreciate someone who offers great service to others.

Don't's

• Do not gossip.
• Avoid criticizing; instead, practice appreciation.
• Refrain from unnecessary overspending for Christmas.
• Do not lose your temper unnecessarily.
• Avoid complaints.
• Do not tarnish the good name of anyone.

Let us allow Jesus to be born in our hearts, families, and parish this Christmas season.

Holy Communion to the Sick

During this Christmas season, we will visit all the sick members of our parish to strengthen them with the Lord’s blessings.

Pope’s Intention for December

In December, we pray with Pope Francis that the forthcoming Jubilee Year may strengthen our faith, helping us to recognize the Risen Christ in our daily lives and transforming us into pilgrims of Christian hope.

"We must fan the flame of hope that has been given to us and help everyone gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart, and far-sighted vision." - Pope Francis

Our Bishop, Most Rev. Peter Paul Saldanha, will inaugurate the Jubilee Year in our diocese on Sunday, December 29th, at 7:30 a.m. with a procession and Mass at the Rosario Cathedral. In our parish, we will organize a few celebrations to mark the Jubilee Year.

Happy Christmas: Fr. Kevin and I wish all our parishioners—both near and abroad, young and old—a happy, joyful, and healthy Christmas. May the Baby Jesus shower His magnificent blessings upon you all. May this Christmas be a celebration of love, sharing, forgiveness, and unity.

Rev. Fr Joseph Martis

Parish Priest