Media Release

Mangaluru, Mar 30: With the spirit of Unum Presbyterium, the body of priests who exercise pastoral offices in the parishes and in the institutions of the diocese of Mangalore gathered for an annual Pastoral Consultation on Thursday, March 30 at St Antony’s Charity Institution, Jeppu, Mangaluru.

As many as 235 priests, both diocesan and religious priests serving in the diocese of Mangalore, gathered around the diocesan authority, the bishop, vicar general, chancellor and financial administrator to discuss issues raised by every deanery.

Dr Peter Paul Saldnaha, bishop of Mangalore diocese said, “It is a day to come together to meet and greet every priest of the diocese. This consultation will guide all of us to collaborate and participate within the diocese for a more fruitful ministry.”

This year, the focus of the pastoral consultation was on pastoral issues. In the first session liturgical, pastoral and canonical issues were discussed. Fr Basil Vas, parish priest, Madanthyar presented the issues. Dr Victor George, chancellor responded to the questions and clarified the doubts.

In the second session, the issues concerning administration and related topics were discussed. Fr Paul Sequeira, parish priest, Varkady presented the issues. Msgr Maxim Noronha, vicar general and Fr Vijay Lobo, diocesan financial aministrator responded to the issues and queries.

Two gneral body meetings of Parish Union and Priest Aid Fund (PAF) were also held at the same forum.

Senior priests Dr William Barboza and Fr Norbert Lobo, who celebrated their golden jubilee of their priestly ordination were felicitated by the bishop and other dignitaries.