Media Release

Mangaluru, Mar 27: Mangaluru diocese pastoral consultation, renewal of priestly vows and blessing of oils was held in the diocese on Thursday March 26.

During the pastoral consultation held in the morning at the Pastoral Institute Bajjodi Fr Stany D'souza the provincial Karnataka Jesuit province gave his reflections on significance and relevance of the year of consecrated life highlighting the positive and negative side of religious life. He critically analyzed religious life in the light of the gospel and said that consecrated men and women must examine their life, understand the uniqueness of the religious and live up to the expectations of the church. By this religious life becomes a happy choice of total self giving.

After the input session the pastoral problems were discussed and moderated by Fr Victor Machado the director of Pastoral Institute.

Fr Mathew Vas gave information about priests aid fund, Fr William Menezes about new home for retired priests and Fr Oswald Monteiro informed of forth coming caste based survey.

The bishop in his message appreciated the presence of priests for this consultation. He also briefed about the progress of Mangaluru - Africa mission and urged the priests to support the same.

In the afternoon session held at the Cathedral, Fr Joe Tauro OCD gave recollection which was followed by silent prayer, confession and benediction. The day of diocesan priests was concluded with chrism mass concelebrated by the entire priests with the bishop where the oils used for sacraments were consecrated.

More than 186 priests participated in the consultation. The bishop welcomed the priests. Fr Stany Pereira compered the program, Fr Rajesh Rosario conducted the midday prayer.