Media Release

Mangaluru, Jul 18: St Thomas the Apostle Church, Nirkan witnessed a day of grand celebration on July 15, as parishioners came together to honour Dr Joachim Walder on his appointment as the Auxiliary Bishop of Aizawl Diocese. The parishioners extended their warm wishes and support for his upcoming missions during the event.

The day commenced at 9:30 am when Fr Leo William Lobo, the parish priest, and Vincent Bennis, the vice president and Shanthi Veigas, the secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council, Peter Walder, brother of Bishop Joachim Walder, along with the parishioners, accorded a floral welcome to  Dr Joachim Walder with great reverence. Soon after the welcome, the faithful gathered together for a solemn thanksgiving eucharist, presided over by Bishop Joachim Walder and concelebrated by several other priests, who rejoiced in God’s work among the faithful of the parish. At the eucharistic celebration, the congregation was graced with a heartfelt homily delivered by Fr Walter D’Mello, Vicar Forane of Beltangady Deanery, who also happens to be Bishop Joachim Walder's classmate from their time at the minor seminary. The divine ceremony invoked a sense of reverence and gratitude as the church resounded with joyful hymns and prayers.

Following the mass, at 11:30 am, the Bishop was escorted to the hall in a grand procession accompanied by a lively band, further accentuating the honour accorded to him. The Felicitation Programme began with a beautiful prayer song performed by the Nirkan Parish Choir, setting the tone for the day’s celebrations.

The celebration witnessed a series of special events dedicated to honouring Bishop Joachim Walder on behalf of Nirkan Parish. The parish choir presented a heartfelt song of good wishes to the Bishop, accompanied by applause and admiration from the audience. Teachers from St Thomas School, Nirkan, came forward to felicitate the Bishop, and the students showcased their talents through an exuberant dance performance.

The celebration in honour of Dr Joachim Walder’s appointment as Auxiliary Bishop of Aizawl Diocese left a lasting impression, as the parishioners of Nirkan Church expressed their unity, support, and prayers for his fruitful endeavours in his new role.