From October 19th to 21st, 2024, St Lawrence Church, Moodubelle, was graced by a pastoral visit from Most Rev. Dr Gerald Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese. This spiritually enriching occasion, led by Parish Priest Rev. Fr George D’Souza and Assistant Priest Rev. Fr Rikson Monteiro, fostered unity and devotion among the parishioners, who warmly welcomed the Bishop with reverence and gratitude for his leadership.
The visit commenced with a solemn prayer service, followed by a poignant visit to the cemetery. Here, the faithful gathered to offer prayers for the souls of the departed, reflecting the Church's profound connection to the communion of saints.
Bishop Lobo’s engagement with the youth was a central feature of the visit, as he conducted a catechism session for 49 young parishioners preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation. His guidance was a testament to his commitment to helping the younger generation embrace and understand their spiritual journey.
Another key event was the Bishop’s meeting with the Parish Finance Committee, where he offered wisdom on effectively managing the parish's spiritual and administrative responsibilities. This session highlighted the importance of balancing faith leadership with sound governance.
The high point of the visit occurred on October 20th, when the Bishop administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 49 catechized children during a solemn Holy Eucharist. In his homily, he emphasized the power of prayer and urged the faithful to deepen their relationship with God, inspiring a renewed focus on spiritual growth.
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Bishop Lobo’s pastoral care extended beyond the Mass. He met with various parish groups, including the Altar Boys, Girls' Sodality, Missionary Children, ICYM, and YCS, offering them spiritual encouragement. His afternoon meetings with the Secular Franciscan Order (SFO), Sthree Sanghatan, Catholic Sabha, and the animators of the Pastoral Commissions further strengthened the parish's sense of community.
An especially moving aspect of the visit was the Bishop’s presence at a Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) meeting, showcasing his dedication to fostering vibrant faith communities at the grassroots level. He also celebrated the Holy Eucharist at the Loretto Convent, engaging in heartfelt spiritual conversations with the sisters.
The visit concluded with a significant moment at Assisi Nilaya minor seminary, where Bishop Lobo offered a talk and prayer, reinforcing his spiritual guidance to the seminarians.
This blessed pastoral visit profoundly impacted the parishioners of St Lawrence Church, Moodubelle. Bishop Lobo's leadership, filled with prayer, compassion, and wisdom, left the community spiritually invigorated, inspiring them to continue their journey of faith with renewed zeal and devotion.