It was a joyful and memorable event for the parishioners of Maria Goretti church, Hirgan when their shepherd the Bishop of Udupi, Rt. Rev. Dr. Gerald Lobo visited them from 03rd to 05th March, 2018. Rev. Fr Anil Cornelio, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Thomas Roshan D’Souza and the parishioners extended a warm welcome to him on 03rd evening. The preliminary rites in the Church were followed by visit to the cemetery.
The Bishop had a session on Catechism for the Confirmation children. This was followed by his meetings with the Finance Committee and Parish Pastoral Council members.
On 04th March, the Confirmation Mass was celebrated with great joy. A total of 21 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. Sthree Sanghatan;Catholic Sabha; 18 commissions’ Coordinator, Animators and members; Altar Boys; YCS; ICYM; Secular Franciscan Order and SVP. He attended the S.C.C. meeting in a ward.
On 05th the Bishop celebrated Mass in the Nava Jeevan Convent and thereafter interacted with Sisters. He spent time with the Sick in the parish. He visited the school children during the assembly. He had meeting with School teachers. He concluded by summarizing the entire pastoral visit and left for Udupi at around 1:00 p.m.