It was a joyful and memorable event for the parishioners of Our Lady of Health Church, Shirva when their shepherd the Bishop of Udupi, Rt. Rev. Dr. Gerald Lobo visited them from 10th to 12th November, 2018. Rev. Fr Denis D’Sa, the Parish Priest; Rev. Fr Ashwin Aranha, Asst. Parish Priest; Rev. Fr Mahesh D’Souza and the parishioners extended a warm welcome to him on 10th evening. The preliminary rites in the Church were followed by the visit to the cemetery.
This was followed by meetings with the Finance Committee and Sauharda Samithi. Then the Bishop visited Nativity Convent for adoration, prayer, and rosary after which he interacted with sisters.
On 11th November, the Confirmation Mass was celebrated with great joy. A total of 56 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. Altar Boys; Girls Sodality; Missionary Children; Sthree Sangatan; Legion of Mary; Catholic Sabha; YCS; ICYM; SFO and SVP. He attended the S.C.C. meeting in a ward. After the ward meetings he met the Pastoral Council; 18 Commissions’ Coordinator and Animators.
On 12th the Bishop celebrated Mass at Auxilium Convent and interacted with Sisters. He spent time with the Sick in the parish. He visited the schools and College and addressed the children during the assembly. He had meeting with the teachers. He visited Don Bosco youth center for prayer and interacted with Salesian fathers. The Pastoral visit concluded on Monday 12th November with a Prayer Service, after which the Bishop returned to the Bishop’s House.