Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, the Bishop of the Diocese of Udupi paid his official Pastoral Visit to the clergy and the faithful of Our Lady of Health Church, Shirva from 06 to 09th November 2015. He initiated the Pastoral Visit with a prayer service in the church. It was followed by a prayer service in the cemetery. Prayers were offered for dear departed of the parishioners. After the prayer service the Bishop met the Candidates of the sacrament Confirmation. Bishop also met the Parish Finance Committee members. Later he visited the Nativity Convent where he had the rosary, a talk and Adoration.
Day two of the visit began with the Holy Eucharist in ‘Don Bosco Youth Center’ run by the Salesian priests. After the Mass bishop visited the sick and elderly of the Parish. Later he paid a visit to Don Bosco schools and then had a meeting with teachers’ on campus. In the afternoon, he met the women commission members, which was followed by Holy Mass in Infant Jesus Chapel. After the mass he blessed the foundation stone for the new chapel. Later in the evening he met with the members of the Parish Pastoral Council.
Day three of the visit began with a solemn Eucharist in Shirva Church during which he catechized the children and the adults on the sacrament of Confirmation and the power of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. He administered the sacrament of Confirmation to 96 Children of the parish. The Parish Priest of Shirva Rev. Fr Stany Tauro, Campus Director and Asst. Parish Priest Fr Anil Castelino, Fr Stephen Lewis and Deacon Melwyn con-celebrated with the Bishop.
After the Mass, he met the members of Marian Sodality, Altar Servers, ICYM, Secular Franciscan Order, Catholic Sabha, SVP, Family commission, SCC core committee and so on. He also attended the SCC ward meeting in one of the wards of the Church. Later he visited the Auxilium Convent and Hostel.
The fourth day began with the Mass in the Church which was followed by a meeting with the members of YCS, St Mary’s high school, PU College and Degree College. In the afternoon, he met the members of the Bible Commission, Extra Ordinary Ministers of the distribution of Holy Communion and Catechism Teachers. Finally on 09th November Bishop concluded his pastoral visit with a concluding prayer service.
