Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As we step into the month of October, we are once again reminded of the beauty and richness of our Catholic tradition. This month is filled with significant moments that encourage us to deepen our faith, strengthen our prayer life, and witness the love of Christ in our communities. Pope Francis, in his message for World Mission Sunday, beautifully echoes the call of Christ, reminding us, “You will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8). These words are not just a distant command given to the apostles long ago, but they are a personal invitation to each of us today. Christ is calling us, wherever we are, to become missionaries of His love. Pope Francis reminds us that every baptized Christian is, by nature, a missionary. Mission is not a task reserved only for priests, religious, or those traveling to foreign lands; rather it is a mission entrusted to all of us. In our homes, schools, workplaces, and communities, we are to live as witnesses to the Gospel. In a world increasingly marked by division, indifference, and suffering, our mission is more urgent than ever. It is about extending a hand of friendship, offering words of hope, and living with integrity and compassion. Our diocese of Jaipur has a profound opportunity to reflect on how we are living out this missionary call. Through our various ministries, whether it's working with the poor, the marginalized, or the youth, we are spreading the light of Christ. Let us all renew our commitment to participate in this missionary journey, both spiritually and materially. For example, World Mission Sunday invites us to pray for and contribute to the Church's missionary work worldwide. By donating to the mission collections, we participate in the global outreach of the Church, ensuring that the Good News reaches the farthest corners of the earth. However, mission is not just about material support. It is about opening our hearts to those around us, being present to the lonely, and sharing the love of Christ in simple, everyday acts. Whether through acts of charity, a kind word, or a moment of prayer, each of us can make a difference in the life of another. October is traditionally dedicated to the *Holy Rosary*, one of the most beloved and powerful devotions in the Church. The Rosary has been called "the Gospel in miniature" because it invites us to meditate on the life of Christ through the eyes of His mother, Mary. Each bead, each decade, leads us deeper into the mysteries of our salvation—Christ's Incarnation, His Passion and death, His Resurrection, and His glorious reign in heaven. In today's fast-paced world, where families often struggle to find time for prayer, the Rosary can serve as a source of peace and unity. I encourage each of you, especially families, to dedicate some time every day to this beautiful prayer. It may seem difficult at first, but as St. John Paul II said, “To recite the Rosary is nothing other than to contemplate with Mary the face of Christ.” The more we make the Rosary a part of our daily lives, the more we will experience its transforming power. This month, let us come together as a diocese and make a concerted effort to pray the Rosary, particularly for peace in our world and for the missions of the Church. In our homes, parishes, and schools, let us unite in this prayer, asking Our Lady to guide us closer to her Son and help us to be witnesses of His love. As we journey through October, we remember St. Therese of the Child Jesus, known as the "Little Flower," embraced a path of humility and love. Her "little way" of trust in God transformed small acts into great love. Through her simplicity and deep devotion, she became a powerful intercessor, inspiring many to live with faith and surrender. She is a patroness of missions, reminding us that holiness can be found in everyday acts. We are also blessed to celebrate the Feast of St. Jude and St. Simon on October 28th. These two apostles, though not as widely known as others, played a crucial role in the early Church's missionary work. They were part of the foundation upon which Christ built His Church. Their lives were marked by courage, fidelity, and a deep love for the Lord. St. Jude is known as the patron saint of hopeless cases, and many turn to him in times of desperate need. His intercession has brought comfort to countless souls, reminding us that no situation is beyond the reach of God's grace. In our own lives, we may face challenges that seem insurmountable—whether personal struggles, family issues, or health concerns. Yet, St. Jude teaches us to never lose hope but trust in God's providence even in the darkest moments. St. Simon, the Zealot, is a lesser-known apostle, but his life holds an important lesson for us as well. His zeal for the faith and his commitment to Christ are examples for us to follow. In a world that often tries to dampen our enthusiasm for the Gospel, St. Simon encourages us to remain passionate about our faith and to live it boldly. As we celebrate their feast, let us ask for their intercession in our own missionary efforts. May we, like St. Jude and St. Simon, be faithful witnesses to the Gospel, unafraid to proclaim Christ in both word and deed. As we reflect on the missionary nature of the Church and the power of prayer, especially through the Rosary, we must also remember the importance of unity. In our own diocese, we are called to work together as one body, united in Christ. Our different roles, ministries, and responsibilities are all part of the greater mission of the Church. Unity does not mean uniformity. We are a diverse community with different gifts, talents, and perspectives. But like the apostles, who came from various backgrounds and were united in their mission to spread the Gospel, we too are called to work together for the glory of God. In this spirit of unity, let us be faithful to the mission entrusted to us by Christ, always seeking to build up His Church and to serve those in need. As we embrace the themes of missionary discipleship, devotion to the Rosary, and the feasts of our beloved saints, let us renew our commitment to live our faith fully. In this month of October, I urge you to take to heart the message of Pope Francis: be a witness to Christ in your daily life. Let us pray the Rosary with renewed fervor, and ask May Mother Mary, St. Therese of the Child Jesus, St. Jude, and St. Simon intercede for us all, and may we continue to grow as a diocese united in faith, hope, and love. Yours in Christ, + Bishop Joseph Kallarackal Bishop of Jaipur