It was a joyful and memorable event for the parishioners of St Antony’s Church, Padukone when their shepherd the Bishop of Udupi, Rt. Rev. Dr. Gerald Lobo visited them from 19th to 21st of January, 2018. Rev. Fr Frederick Mascarenhas, Parish Priest of Padukone Parish and the parishioners extended a warm welcome to him on 19th evening. After the preliminary rites in the Church, visited the cemetery.
The Bishop had a session on Catechism for the Confirmation children. This was followed by his meetings with Catechism Teachers and Finance Council members.
On 20th January, the Confirmation Mass was celebrated with great joy. A total of 34 students were administered the Sacrament of Confirmation. In his homily during the Mass, the Bishop preached on the importance of family life.
After the Mass, the Bishop had meetings with several groups, viz. Marian Sodality;Altar Boys; SCC Parish Committee; YCS; ICYM; Catholic Sabha; Sthree Sangatan; Parish Pastoral Council and 18 commissions Coordinator and Animators. He attended the S.C.C. meeting in a ward.
On 21st January the Bishop celebrated Mass in the St Antony’s Convent, and thereafter interacted with Sisters. He spent time with the Sick in the parish. He visited the school children during the assembly. He concluded by summarizing the entire pastoral visit and left for Udupi at around 3:00 p.m.