Media Release
Bantwal, Nov 20: The bishop of Mangalore diocese, Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, was on a pastoral visit to St Thomas the Apostle Church, Nirkan-Vogga, Bantwal, from November 16 to 17.
Fr Leo William Lobo, the parish priest of Nirkan; Vincent Bennis, the vice president of the Parish Pastoral Council; Sr Celine Vas, the superior of Holy Family Convent; and the parishioners extended a warm floral welcome to the bishop on Saturday.
Following the preliminary rites, the bishop conducted a catechism session for the children preparing for Confirmation. He emphasized the significance of the Sacrament of Confirmation and the transformative role of the Holy Spirit.
After the inspiring catechism session, a joyful Confirmation Mass was celebrated, during which 40 children received the Sacrament of Confirmation. One of the most memorable highlights of the visit was the bishop’s interaction with the children, guiding them as they prepared for this important step in their spiritual journey.
After the Mass, the bishop visited the cemetery and led a prayer service, praying for the souls of the departed and offering blessings for peace and rest.
The bishop then interacted with the Parish Finance Committee and the Parish Pastoral Council members. Later, he had dinner with the Parish Pastoral Council. After the dinner, the bishop reviewed all the parish finance and other documents, and then signed them.
On the second day, November 17, the bishop held a session with the parishioners, focusing deeply on the Holy Spirit.
Later, he celebrated the Holy Eucharist, with the liturgy conducted by all the organizations of the church. After the Mass, a meeting was held with the parents of the seminarians, the priests, and the sisters.
The bishop then had meetings with other organizations of the parish, such as the SVP, Altar Boys, Moriyal Sodality, Catholic Sabha, Sthrii Sangatan, ICYM, YCS and the Catechism Teachers. He also visited the convent. During the meetings, reports of the various programmes and activities carried out in the church were read.
Following the meetings, the bishop visited the homes of the sick and led a prayer service for them.
He attended a meeting of the Small Christian Community in the St Antony ward.
The blessed visit of the bishop to St Thomas the Apostle Church had a very positive impact on the parishioners. His presence marked a key moment in the history of the Nirkan parish.