It was a joyful and memorable event for the parishioners of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Ajekar when their shepherd the Bishop of Udupi, Rt. Rev. Dr. Gerald Lobo visited them from 09th and 11th June, 2018. Rev. Fr Sunil D’Silva, the Parish Priest; Rev. Fr Amith Rodrigues, Principal of Church School and the parishioners extended a warm welcome to him on 09th evening. The preliminary rites in the Church were followed by a visit to the cemetery.
The Bishop had a session on Catechism for the Confirmation children. This was followed by his meeting with the ICYM and Finance Committee members.
On 10th June, the Confirmation Mass was celebrated with great joy. 29 children 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. Missionary Children; Altar Boys; Legion of Mary; YCS; Secular Franciscan Order; SVP; Catholic Sabha; Catechism Teachers. He attended the S.C.C. meeting in a ward. He spent time with the Sick in the parish.
On 28th the Bishop celebrated Mass at the St Xavier’s Convent and thereafter interacted with Sisters. After the Mass he visited to Church School and addressed the school children during their assembly. After the School visit he had Meeting with School Teachers and 18 commissions’ Coordinator and Animators. The Pastoral visit concluded on Monday 11th with a Prayer Service, after which the Bishop returned to the Bishop’s House.