From October 12th to 14th, 2024, the faith community of St. Peter’s Church, Barkur, experienced a truly blessed pastoral visit from Most Rev. Dr Gerald Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese. The visit was filled with moments of spiritual enrichment, community engagement, and pastoral care that uplifted the parish. Led by their committed Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Ronald Miranda, the parishioners extended a warm and reverent welcome to the Bishop, reflecting their deep respect and appreciation for his leadership.
The visit began with a solemn prayer service that set a tone of reflection and reverence. Bishop Lobo then visited the cemetery, where the faithful joined him in offering prayers for their departed loved ones, a moving reminder of the Church’s connection to the communion of saints.
Following this, the Bishop conducted a catechism session for 36 young parishioners, preparing them for the Sacrament of Confirmation. His engagement with the youth underscored his dedication to guiding the younger generation in their faith, emphasizing the importance of understanding the spiritual significance of this milestone in their lives.
A significant part of the pastoral visit was the Bishop’s interaction with the Parish Finance Committee, where he offered insightful guidance on the stewardship of the parish’s spiritual and administrative responsibilities. This session reflected the balance between spiritual leadership and practical management that ensures the flourishing of the parish community.
The highlight of the visit came on October 13th, when the entire parish gathered to celebrate the Holy Eucharist. During this solemn Mass, Bishop Lobo administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to the 36 catechized children. His homily resonated deeply with the congregation, as he called on them to prioritize their spiritual growth through prayer, urging them to build a meaningful relationship with God.
The Bishop’s post-Mass activities were a testament to his pastoral care. He met with various parish groups, including the Altar Boys, Girls' Sodality, Missionary Children, Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM), and Young Catholic Students (YCS), offering them spiritual encouragement. His afternoon engagements extended to the Secular Franciscan Order (SFO), Sthree Sanghatan, Catholic Sabha, and the animators of the Pastoral Commissions, further fostering unity and faith among all sections of the parish.
An especially touching aspect of the visit was the Bishop’s participation in a Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) meeting within one of the parish wards. His presence at this grassroots level illustrated his commitment to nurturing small faith communities that form the heart of the parish's spiritual life.
The visit also included a celebration of the Holy Eucharist at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent, where Bishop Lobo engaged in meaningful spiritual conversations with the sisters, reinforcing his support for the religious communities that serve the parish. His compassion was further evident in his visits to the sick, offering them blessings, prayers, and words of comfort.
The pastoral visit left a profound impact on the parishioners of St. Peter’s Church, Barkur. Through prayer, fellowship, and Bishop Lobo’s inspiring leadership, the community was strengthened in faith, unity, and commitment. His pastoral care and spiritual guidance will continue to inspire the parish to grow in their journey of faith, with renewed zeal and devotion.