Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, the Bishop of the Diocese of Udupi administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 33 Children of St Anne Church, Thottam on 21st February, 2021.
In his homily, the bishop spoke about the importance of the sacrament of Confirmation in one’s spiritual growth. He also said that the sacrament of confirmation sanctifies, empowers and prepares the faithful to face the spiritual challenges of life. The sacrament of Confirmation makes us the temples of the Holy Spirit. The Bishop spoke on the 7 gifts and 12 fruits of the Holy Spirit which are gratuitous to live a life of holiness.
Rev. Fr Francis Cornelio, Parish Priest of Thottam; Rev. Fr Sabastian Fernandes, Director, KROSS, Bengaluru and Rev. Fr Reginald Pinto, Director, Sampada Udupi were present during the Solemn Eucharistic Celebration.
After the mass, a short function was held at the Parish auditorium. Most Rev. Dr Gerald Lobo, Rev. Fr Sabastian Fernandes, Rev. Fr Reginald Pinto, Rev. Fr Francis Cornelio; 20 Commissions coordinator Mrs Shanthi Fernandes; Mr Sunil Fernandes, Parish Pastoral Council vice President and Mrs Priya Rodrigues, Parish Pastoral Council Secretary were present on the dias.
The Bishop inaugurated the campaign. The theme for this year is 'Campaign against Hunger and Disease' with the motto 'healthy life, healthy India'. The program is functioning across all the 174 dioceses in India. Meanwhile, the Karnataka region comprising Bengaluru, Shivamogga, Udupi, Mysuru, Bellary, Beltangady, Mandya, Belagavi, Puttur, Mangaluru, Bhadravathi, Karwar, Chikamagaluru and Gulbarga was inaugurated by the bishop.
Speaking on the occasion Dr Gerald Lobo said, "Caritas India is an organization of Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) which is working for those in need without discriminating on the basis of caste, creed and religion. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Caritas worked for the underprivileged and provided them with help. For their service, the Government of India recognized Caritas' mission and honoured them. Pope Francis hopes to develop Catholic families. Beginning from March 19, 2021, to June 26, 2022, is dedicated to families. A thorough plan in this regard has also been drafted. In this Lenten season let us give utmost importance to prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Let us try to sacrifice one meal on every Sunday of this season and donate it to the needy."
The campaign against hunger and disease practices five I's -- Immunity to stress, improved confidence, improved productivity, improved sense of physical health, and an improved sense of mental health. It also emphasizes healthy food habits, exercise, provision and importance of clean water and many other subjects.
KROSS Bengaluru at the regional level and SAMPADA at the Udupi diocese level have been entrusted with this campaign.
Lenten campaign donation box, lucky draw and donation covers were released on the occasion by the dignitaries.
Sr Zeeta D'Souza, co-ordinator, WEP Program KROSS, Robert D'Souza, state officer of Caritas India, Mr Leslie Arouza, director, commission for Family, Udupi diocese and others were present on the occasion.
