CHRISTMAS 2025 - Message by Bishop Allwyn

The phrase “No one in want” is the official Vision statement and Mission of the Small Christian Communities (SCCs) in the Archdiocese of Bombay. This Vision-Mission aims to ensure that all members of the community are looked after and supported. 

The SCCs are a fundamental part of every parish, working to build vibrant communities that address the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of their members. This vision is in keeping with the latest Apostolic Exhortation on Love for the Poor by Pope Leo XIV. He states: “Those inspired by true charity know fully well that almsgiving does not absolve the competent authorities of their responsibilities… Almsgiving at least offers us a chance to halt before the poor, to look into their eyes, to touch them and to share something of ourselves with them.” (Dilexi Te, 116)

I would like to congratulate all our SCCs in the Archdiocese of Bombay for their outreach in their communities and parishes. This is the reason why our SCCs are vibrant and relevant.

In his first appearance as Pope at St Peter’s Basilica in May 2025, the Holy Father said, “Together, we must look for ways to be a missionary Church, a Church that builds bridges and encourages dialogue, a Church ever open to welcoming, like this Square with its open arms, all those who are in need of our charity, our presence, our readiness to dialogue and our love.” The Church is now inviting us to be a synodal Church, a community which experiences synodality. From next year, we will embark on a new thrust after the SCC Consultation on March 15, 2026. Kindly keep the Consultation in your prayers.

On behalf of all the Bishops, I wish you a meaningful Christmas and an eventful New Year.

✠ Bishop Allwyn D’Silva