Oct 8, 2012
Gabriel Vaz
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore
He swears by development, development of the individual and the family. But for him development comes with a difference. It is not just socio-economic development, but overall development with an extra emphasis on spiritual growth and above all, faith.
Yes, faith. It is necessary to ensure that the basic needs of all the faithful regarding food, shelter, clothing, healthcare and education are met. Family is the basic or key unit in society and inclusive growth encompassing the poorest of the poor and the needy families is the essence of development. If the basic needs of the families are taken care of, the society and in turn, the State and the nation, become strong.
Well, that in essence is the goal, vision and mission of Most Rev Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Shimoga, who will be taking over as the first Bishop of the new Udupi Diocese at the newly designated Cathedral of Our Lady of Miracles, commonly known as the Milagres Church, at Kalianpur near Udupi on October 15.
''If we take diocese as a family, the weakest links in the chain must be taken care of and strengthened as otherwise the entire edifice will be in danger. In essence, it is also how we live as true Christians and be witnesses to Christ," he says asserting: ''I have followed this principle in Shimoga, where two-thirds of the faithful are being directly helped in some form or the other."
Bishop Gerald, who will be turning 63 on November 11, took time off to speak to Daijiworld’s Gabriel Vaz in the midst of a private retreat at St John’s Hospital campus to spiritually rejuvenate himself before embarking on a major milestone in his 35-year journey as a priest and went back on memory lane on his achievements and spelt out his vision for the future.
Diocese No. 4, 14 & 166
Carved out of the Latin rite Mangalore diocese, which has a chequered history of Christianity dating back to the 15th century, Udupi will be the fourth diocese in the undivided Dakshina Kannada district – the other two being Puttur of the Syro-Malankara rite and Belthangady of the Syro-Malabar rite.
Udupi, incidentally, will be the 14th diocese in Karnataka and India’s Diocese Number 166.
The soft-spoken and affable prelate, who has handled several important assignments ever since his ordination in May 1977 from being Assistant Parish Priest in Urwa and Shirva and Parish Priest of Badyar for eight years to Director of Canara Organisation for Development and Peace (CODP) for another eight years and completed 12 years as Bishop of Shimoga, frankly mentioned that the new responsibility came as a pleasant surprise.
''We were engrossed in critically evaluating the past ten years’ work in the implementation of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan. We were busy in planning for the second phase," he said explaining that Shimoga diocese was busy in preparatory work for the Silver Jubilee of its establishment on November 14, 1988.
Says he: 'We had planned to commence year-long celebrations next year."
''But I guess change is part of life. Nobody and nothing is permanent," he said with a philosophical shrug.
''One must move on. Msgr Ignatius Pinto, the then Vicar General of Bangalore Archdiocese, had taken up the responsibility as the first Bishop of Shimoga and had ably served the Diocese for 12 long years," he said, adding: ''Now, after serving 12 years in Shimoga, I am entrusted with a new responsibility."
''By a strange coincidence or may be with a sweet irony," says Bishop Gerald, ''I am now donning the role of Archbishop Ignatius, whom I consider as my role model, in shouldering the responsibility of taking charge of a new diocese. But fortunately for me, Udupi is better placed. It cannot be compared with Shimoga, where Archbishop Ignatius had to start from scratch…."
Jog Falls vs St Mary’s Island, Maravanthe
One of the major tourist attractions of Shimoga is the world-famous Jog Falls, near Sagar, the tallest untiered natural waterfalls in the country. It also has some lesser known Hidlamane, Achakanya, Vanake Abbey waterfalls. Of course, there are other tourist destinations like Linganamakki dam across river Sharavathi, the Sakrebayalu elephant sanctuary, Tavarekoppa tiger and lion safaris, Mandagadde and Guduvi bird sanctuaries.
But Udupi diocese, comprising the newly created district from the undivided Dakshina Kannada district, is famous for the Sri Krishna temple and the eight mutts surrounding it known as Ashtamaths that has given the sobriquet of temple city to Udupi, and the Kollur Mookambika temple, famous in entire South India, the historic Jain Basadis (temples) and the giant Gomateshwara statue of Lord Bahubali in Karkala and the St Lawrence church at Attur in Karkal, which is a major pilgrim centre not just to Catholics but people of different religions.
St Mary’s Island, off Malpe, or Maravanthe, which provides a rare spectacle of National Highway 17 being flanked by the Arabian sea and the Sowparnika river on either side, are the major tourist destinations. The district has some smaller waterfalls like Kudlu Theertha near Hebri, Barkana or Belkal near Udupi, which however are no match to Jog Falls.
Political Equation: 4 CMs to 1
Shimoga diocese, however, is famous for contributing as many as FOUR chief ministers in S Nijalingappa (Chitradurga), Sarekoppa Bangarappa and B S Yeddyurappa (both from Shimoga) and J H Patel (Davangere), while Udupi diocese gave birth to the only chief minister in Veerappa Moily, hailing from Marpady village in Karkal taluk, though the undivided Dakshina Kannada district had its second chief minister in D V Sadananda Gowda from Mandekolu village of Sullia taluk.
Excerpts from the interview:
DW. First of all, hearty congratulations on behalf of Daijiworld.com, the Daijiworld English Weekly, and numerous readers and well-wishers from India and world over and best wishes for your success.
Bp. Thank you. I know Daijiworld has a wide reach and enormous following throughout the world. I certainly need all the support and prayers to carry out my mission.
DW. Talking about the mission, how do you compare Shimoga and Udupi?
Bp. The two are entirely different. Shimoga is a mission territory. My predecessor Bishop Ignatius had to start from scratch. There were hardly 16 priests and practically no infrastructure, including the establishment of a Cathedral.
The faithful number less than 20,000 now, though the diocese covers three districts – Shimoga, Chitradurga and Davangere – spread over 21,000 sq. kms. There are 22 parishes, 17 mission stations and 9 sub-stations now with 52 diocesan priests, 23 religious priests and 225 sisters. There are 35 convents and 9 religious houses.
Udupi, on the other hand, is restricted to a single district and a geographical area of 3,880 sq. kms. with over a lakh Catholics. Though new, the diocese already has 48 parishes, 58 diocesan priests, 28 religious priests and 225 sisters and 4 degree and 5 PU colleges, 23 high schools, 48 primary schools, 14 nursery schools, a technical and nursery training school besides a number of educational institutions run by religious Congregations of priests and sisters…
Shimoga, Udupi Have Long History
DW. Also, Udupi being part of the Mangalore diocese has a long history of more than five centuries unlike Shimoga…
Bp. Yes, I know about Mangalore’s hoary past. But I would like to enlighten you that Shimoga, though pretty young as a diocese, has an equally long history.
If you refer to historical records, Christian missionary presence in Shimoga-Chitradurga region goes back to the 16th century. The Nayaka kings of Ikkeri – Veerappa Nayaka in 1631 -- and later of Bidanur, the present Nagar – Shivappa Nayaka in 1653 -- were known to be very friendly with Jesuits. Blessed Fr Joseph Vaz had built a church dedicated to Our Lady of Success at Bidanur during 1681-84, which was later rebuilt by Fr Sebastino de Rego in 1723-25 that crumbled after a few years. It was subsequently rebuilt and dedicated to Our Lady of Victories and still forms part of the Shimoga diocese.
Another interesting fact is that the present city of Shimoga used to be a village and was raised to the status of a town around 1830. Shimoga was known as the District of Nagar till the beginning of the 20th century.
DW. The point is well taken. But…
Bp. I know what you are going to ask. Yes, with such a splendid historical record, somehow the church did not flourish later. I am also trying my best to understand the cause for such a decline.
DW. Can you briefly explain the work in Shimoga during the last 12 years, so people know what to expect from you?
Bp. Despite its political ascendancy, you must appreciate the fact that majority of the Catholic faithful in Shimoga diocese belong to the poorer sections or working classes with little or no education and very few have the benefit of college or higher education.
10-Year Pastoral Plan in Shimoga
As our Saviour Jesus Christ fed the people and cured them of their illness while preaching the gospel, I realized it is necessary to take care of the basic needs of the people, especially the education of the young, while teaching catechism to the children and helping to strengthen and deepen their faith. We prepared a comprehensive 10-year Diocesan Pastoral Plan encompassing various aspects.
Education, career guidance and counseling were the key aspects. We have helped as many as 2,730 children from poorer families, whose entire educational expenditure from primary level covering uniforms, fees and books has been sponsored under the Diocesan Integrated Child Development Programme (ICDP).
Of these, 1,155 have completed their education successfully and another 1,575 children are continuing their studies. Another 320 students have availed support from the Diocese under the Scholarship for Higher Education, Unnati, with 202 completing their higher education. Significantly, a little over 500 school dropouts have been helped to complete their secondary education and 343 school dropouts have been given vocational training in tailoring, beauticians, plumbing, masonry, organic farming etc through Vocational Skill Training Programme (VSTP).
Given the fact that the education levels were very low, the children had to be helped with special coaching classes during their holidays and individual counseling as well as career guidance was provided. Disha, the Career Advancement Cell, has been helping meritorious youth. A laudable initiative is the intensive coaching offered to 10 youth in New Delhi and Bangalore, which helped in 9 youngsters appearing for the KAS examinations. The Diocese has also helped 18 talented students to appear for National Talents Search Examination (NTSE).
Simultaneously, steps were taken to promote spiritual growth. Small Christian Communities were established in all parishes and Catechism classes were conducted to teach children in all parishes and schools from Standard V to IX.
In addition, week-long Residential Camps for providing Special Career Guidance Classes to IX and X Standard students at the Diocesan level had been conducted regularly for 12 years. Diocesan Pastoral Council was formed. Parish Councils and Finance Committees constituted in all parishes to ensure people’s participation in church administration at all levels. Catholic Sabhas, Legion of Mary in all parishes and Women’s Associations or Stree Sanghatans are very strong in the parishes. As many as 103 Small women’s Associations are functioning. St Vincent de Paul units, which were started fairly recently, are actively functioning in 10 parishes.
As many as 18 different Commissions to meet the various pastoral needs were established in the Diocese. Each of the Commissions had their own goals, objectives and action plans in tune with the overall vision and mission of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan. Capacity building initiatives through constant Diocesan and Deanery level training for priests and religious as well as faithful of different age-groups, including men and women were being conducted.
DW. What is your reaction at leaving Shimoga diocese? Do you feel satisfied?
Bp. I think my 12-year tenure in Shimoga has made a difference in the lives of the people of the diocese. I am reasonably satisfied. If I had continued, we had plans for the Siliver Jubilee celebrations of the diocese starting next year and also to launch the second phase of the diocesan pastoral plan. I am sure they will be continued and executed even better.
No Readymade Plans for Udupi
DW. Coming back to Udupi diocese, what are your plans?
Bp. I have no ready-made plans or solutions to improve the Udupi diocese and uplift the lot of the people. I have an open mind, heart and ears. I will listen to anybody, especially the lay people and those who have something new and worthwhile to offer or suggest. After getting all suggestions and inputs and assimilating different ideas and viewpoints, I am sure we can sit together and prepare a workable plan and strive to implement it in a time-bound manner.
I am quite familiar with Udupi diocese. My stint as Assistant Parish Priest in Shirva, which is part of the present Udupi diocese, and my tenure as CODP Director, when I visited almost the entire Mangalore diocese, has helped me to become familiar with the region and the people. I know many of the priests and religious. I have managed well in Shimoga and I don’t think I will have any problem in Udupi. I don’t foresee any linguistic or communication problems. I know the region and its culture.
Having been part of the Mangalore diocese, the parishes in the new Udupi diocese are fairly well-established and organized. The church and Christian life in the diocese is quite strong and vibrant. They are fervent in their faith. It is necessary to help the faithful to deepen their faith so that they experience Jesus Christ in their lives and share this God experience with others, thereby become witnesses to our Saviour.
DW. What are the challenges that you foresee in Udupi diocese?
BP. The diocesan administrative set-up needs to be formed afresh. The College of Consultors and Diocesan Pastoral Council as well as officials of various commissions must be established and all the systems have to be put in place. I consider that as my first priority and immediate challenge.
Focus on Youth, Faith
DW. But I suppose you are well aware of the fact that the younger generation is drifting apart..
Bp. Yes, I am aware of that. While the older generation still adheres to their religious moorings, it is the younger generation that needs our attention because I find the youth are slowly drifting away from the church and their faith. It may be due to urbanization, economic liberalization, globalisation and its influences.
So, extra effort is needed to make the younger generation realize the importance and relevance of Christ and his message in their life. This is the only way the youth can be weaned away from the evil influences and bring them closer to Christ.
Church Attacks Sent Alarming Signals
DW. The church attacks of 2008 …
Bp. Well. When series of attacks against churches and our places of worship took place in 2008, I was disturbed and quite concerned. It sent alarming signals. But soon the situation was brought under control and wiser counsels prevailed. In fact, incidents of attacks against churches happened even in Davangere. But our churches were not targeted.
Anyway, what happened is in the past. We must move ahead. Unfortunate incidents occurred not just in the coastal region but in other parts of the State too. But we must strive to build bridges of understanding and harmony. Efforts are necessary to instill a sense of confidence among all minorities, not just Catholics and Christians.
Enormous Contribution of Christians
DW. What do you propose to do?
Bp. I will try my best to foster Inter-Religious Dialogue and involve people from other religious backgrounds in boosting basic human rights. I feel we have a very good base. It is necessary to carry it forward, strengthen and consolidate.
I will, however, attach more importance for strengthening the faith of our faithful. It is perhaps most opportune that I have been appointed as the Bishop of the newly formed diocese in this Year of Faith and my installation ceremony is being held immediately after its commencement on October 11, 2012 all over the world. We have to enlighten the faithful, strengthen and deepen their faith and help them to live and share it with the people.
DW. There is a feeling of insecurity among the minorities..
Bp. I know we are a religious minority and in the coastal region, even a linguistic minority. But, fortunately, language is not a major cause of concern at least in the coastal region. However, there is no denying the fact that we are a minority community in terms of numbers as we, together with all Christians, account for barely 2 per cent of the total population. But that should not hinder our involvement in the social, cultural and national life as our contribution in different fields accounts of 20 per cent of all communities put together.
We should leverage our strengths to bring about change and transform society for the better. If we do this in our parishes and dioceses, it can be extended to the State and national level and make us part of the national mainstream. We don’t have to feel insecure merely because we are a minority community. We can surely make a difference, bring societal change and transformation, build a better and prosperous India and enable all sections of people to live in peace and harmony.