It was a joyful occasion for the parishioners of St Peter’s Church, Barkur when the Bishop of Udupi, Rt. Rev. Dr. Gerald Lobo visited them from 30th to 31st October, 2021. Rev. Philip Neri Aranha the parish priest and the parishioners extended a warm welcome to him on 30th evening.
After the preliminary rites the Bishop had a session on Catechism for the Confirmation children. The Confirmation Mass was celebrated with great joy. 40 children were administered the Sacrament of Confirmation. In his homily during the Mass, the bishop spoke on the importance of the sacrament of Confirmation in one’s spiritual growth. He 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.
After the Mass, the Bishop had meetings with Finance Committee members and Sauharda Samithi members.
On 31st October, Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese celebrated the mass along with Rev. Fr Philip Neri Aranha. Bishop preach a meaningful homily about how to teach our children good things.
After the Mass, the Bishop had meetings with several groups, viz. Altar Boys; Sthree Sanghatan; Catholic Sabha; SFO; Legion of Mary; SVP; ICYM; YCS and Parish Pastoral Council. He visited the St Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent. The Pastoral Visit concluded on Sunday 31st with a Prayer Service, after which the Bishop returned to the Bishop’s House.