Most Rev. Dr Gerald Lobo, Bishop of Udupi, paid a spiritually enriching pastoral visit to Christ Church, Manipal, from the 21st to the 22nd of September, 2024. Rev. Fr Romeo Lewis, the Parish Priest, along with a welcoming parish community, ensured that the visit was both memorable and impactful.
The visit began on a bright note with a school assembly at Christ School, where the Bishop engaged with students, sharing words of wisdom and spiritual guidance. His interaction with the youth was a highlight, leaving a lasting impression on the young minds.
Following the school visit, the Bishop undertook one of the most touching aspects of his itinerary: visiting the sick. By offering prayers and blessings to the ailing, the Bishop brought comfort and hope, emphasizing the Church's mission of compassion and care for the suffering.
The afternoon included a series of important meetings. First, the Bishop met with the School Management Committee and staff, discussing the operational and spiritual growth of the school. The meetings underscored the importance of aligning education with faith-based principles.
Preliminary rites were then conducted at Christ Church, setting a solemn tone for the rest of the visit. Following this, the Bishop visited the cemetery, where he led a prayer service for the departed, invoking peace and blessings for the souls of the faithful who had passed on.
Later in the evening, the Bishop took an active role in the spiritual lives of the parish's youth by conducting catechism on the Sacrament of Confirmation for 63 candidates preparing to receive the Sacrament. His teachings were both instructive and spiritually motivating, preparing the young parishioners for this significant milestone in their faith journey.
The evening concluded with a meeting with the Parish Finance Committee. The Bishop addressed financial matters of the parish, focusing on stewardship and resource management. The final event of the day saw the Bishop visiting Cluny Convent, where he joined the sisters in praying the Rosary and offering a special prayer service.
The second day began with the Holy Eucharist, celebrated with great joy and reverence. In this significant event, the 63 candidates previously prepared by the Bishop were conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation. During his homily, the Bishop delivered an inspiring message, emphasizing the power of prayer and the deep connection one must cultivate with the Lord.
The remainder of the day was marked by a series of meetings with different groups within the parish community. The Bishop met with various youth and parish groups, including Altar Boys, Girls' Sodality, Missionary Children, Choir members, the Secular Franciscan Order (SFO), and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVP). Each group discussed their respective roles and contributions to parish life, with the Bishop offering spiritual encouragement.
Additional meetings included interactions with Sthree Sanghatan, Catholic Sabha, ICYM (Indian Catholic Youth Movement), YCS (Young Christian Students), the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC), and Pastoral Commissions’ animators. The Bishop’s engagement with these various groups highlighted his inclusive approach, ensuring that every sector of the parish community was supported and spiritually empowered.
In the afternoon, the Bishop attended a Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) meeting in one of the wards, further emphasizing the importance of community spirit and localized faith-based support.
The visit concluded on Sunday evening with a prayer service, marking the end of a deeply fulfilling and spiritually uplifting pastoral visit.
Bishop Gerald Lobo’s pastoral visit to Christ Church, Manipal, was not only a blessing for the parish but a reaffirmation of faith, service, and community involvement. His presence, prayerful guidance, and active engagement with all levels of the church community have left a lasting impact on the parishioners, enriching their spiritual journey.
This two-day event stands as a testament to the church’s commitment to nurturing faith, fostering unity, and ensuring that all members of the parish are guided by the teachings of Christ.
