St. Antony Church, Sastan, was filled with faith and joy as Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Lobo, the reveredpi, conducted a blessed pastoral visit on October 5th and 6th, 2024. The parish, led by its dedicated Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Sunil D’Silva, gave the Bishop a warm and heartfelt welcome. The visit was marked by moments of spiritual reflection, community engagement, and pastoral care, which strengthened the parish's sense of unity and faith.
The pastoral visit commenced with deep reverence, starting with a solemn prayer service held at the church. This was followed by a visit to the cemetery, where the faithful gathered to offer prayers and pay their respects to the departed souls. This was followed by a catechism session for 24 young parishioners, preparing them for the Sacrament of Confirmation. The session highlighted Bishop Lobo’s personal commitment to nurturing the faith of the younger generation, ensuring that they understand the significance of their spiritual journey.
A key moment of the visit was the Bishop’s interaction with the Parish Finance Committee, during which he provided valuable insights into the spiritual and administrative stewardship of the parish. This engagement underlined the balance between faith leadership and sound management that is essential for a thriving parish community.
On October 6th, the community gathered in joyful celebration for the Holy Eucharist, during which 24 children were blessed with the Sacrament of Confirmation. Bishop Lobo, in his inspiring homily, emphasized the vital role of prayer in the life of every believer. He urged the faithful to cultivate a deeper relationship with God through sincere and meaningful prayer, guiding them to prioritize their spiritual growth.
The post-Mass activities reflected Bishop Lobo’s pastoral care for various segments of the parish community. He held meetings with the Altar Boys, Girls' Sodality, Missionary Children, Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM), and Young Catholic Students (YCS), providing them with words of encouragement and spiritual guidance. His afternoon interactions with the Secular Franciscan Order (SFO), Sthree Sanghatan, Catholic Sabha, and animators of the Pastoral Commissions further demonstrated his dedication to strengthening the unity and faith of all parish groups.
In his mission to bring Christ’s comfort to the suffering, the Bishop visited the sick parishioners, offering them prayers, blessings, and words of solace. His pastoral care extended to the grassroots level, as he attended a Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) meeting in one of the parish wards, illustrating his commitment to fostering vibrant faith communities at every level.
The Bishop concluded his visit with a prayer and reflection at the Mission Sisters Convent in Sastan, where he engaged in meaningful discussions and spiritual dialogue. His visit to the convent exemplified his support for the religious communities that serve the parish.
This blessed pastoral visit, filled with prayer, fellowship, and compassionate outreach, left an indelible mark on the faith community of St Antony Church. The parishioners of Sastan were deeply touched by Bishop Lobo’s presence, guidance, and spiritual leadership, inspiring them to continue their journey of faith with renewed zeal and devotion.