As the new year begins, Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin Gnanapragasam, Bishop of Jaffna, has urged the faithful to embrace renewed faith, compassion, and responsible communication to build a more just and peaceful society.
Reflecting on 2025, the Bishop described the past year as one marked by both divine grace and hardship, including the pain caused by natural disasters, while also recognising the Jubilee blessings received by believers as “pilgrims of hope.”
In his New Year message for 2026, Bishop Gnanapragasam called on Christians to follow the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary through humility, service to those in need, and promoting human dignity in everyday life. He also announced that 2026 will be observed as the Year of Social Communication in the Diocese, highlighting St Gabriel the Archangel as the patron of communication.
“Let us strengthen dialogue, overcome divisions and hostility, and work together for reconciliation and lasting peace,” the Bishop said, urging the community to use communication responsibly to foster understanding and cooperation in the year ahead.