Media Release

Kasargod, Oct 14: The pastoral visit of Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, the Bishop of Mangalore Diocese to Vorkady Sacred Heart parish was held on October 7 and 8. It was a much awaited visit of the Shepherd after 8 long years.

The bishop was welcomed by parish priest Fr Basil Vas, resident priest Fr Ivan D'Mello, vice president of PPC Rajesh D'Souza, secretary Sandhya D'Souza, coordinator Anitha D'Souza, Sisters Monthi and Telma, superiors of Ursuline convents here, Pushpa, school headmistress, all the associations' presidents and members, parish council members and about 600 parishioners. The primary school band played the tunes of welcome.

After the initial rites, adult catechism and mass, the bishop conducted Parish Finance Council and Parish Council meetings. The bishop had dinner with Parish Pastoral Council members. On Sunday, October 8, the bishop instructed the candidates for confirmation and then celebrated solemn mass and confirmed 77 candidates.

After the mass, the bishop met the parents of seminarians and sisters. A sumptuous breakfast was served to about a 1,000 parishioners. Bishop conducted meetings of all the associations, school staff and all the 21 commissions.

He visited both the convents, met the sick and participated in a ward SCC. The visit concluded with a prayer for the bishop by the parish priest. The bishop was assisted by Fr Trishan D'Souza, secretary.