The Bishop of Udupi, Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Lobo, undertook a pastoral visit to Our Lady of Health Church, Shirva, from 22nd to 24th February 2025. V. Rev. Fr. Leslie D’Souza, Parish Priest; Rev. Fr. Rolwin Aranha, Principal of Don Bosco CBSE School; Rev. Fr. Nelson Peris and Rev. Fr. Anil, Assistant Priests; Rev. Fr. Kiran; and the parishioners extended a warm and cordial welcome to the Bishop.
The visit commenced with preliminary rites, followed by a visit to the cemetery, where Bishop Lobo conducted a prayer service for the departed souls. He then led a catechism session for 48 children preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation and engaged in fruitful discussions with the Parish Finance Committee members. Later, the Bishop paid a courtesy visit to the Don Bosco Youth Centre in Shirva, where he joined in prayer and recitation of the rosary.
On 23rd February, the Confirmation Mass was celebrated with immense joy and devotion, as 48 children received the Sacrament of Confirmation. In his homily, Bishop Lobo underscored the importance of Jubilee 2025, calling on the faithful to embrace its theme: "Pilgrims of Hope." He emphasized spiritual renewal, personal conversion, and active participation in Church life. He urged the congregation to strengthen their faith, engage in charitable works, and prepare their hearts through prayer, reconciliation, and acts of mercy in anticipation of the Jubilee Year.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, the Bishop held meetings with various parish associations, including the Altar Servers, ICYM, YCS, Catholic Sabha, SFO, Legion of Mary, SVP, and Sthree Sanghatan. His visit to the Nativity Convent in Shirva was marked by a time of prayer and the recitation of the rosary with the sisters.
The final day of the pastoral visit, 24th February, began with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at Auxilium Nivas. Bishop Lobo visited the sick and offered prayers for their healing and comfort. He also visited several educational institutions—Don Bosco CBSE School, Don Bosco Primary School, and St. Mary’s College, High School, and PUC—where he interacted with students, encouraging them to pursue academic excellence and moral integrity.
The pastoral visit concluded with a solemn prayer service, leaving the faithful of Shirva spiritually enriched and inspired to live out the Gospel values more profoundly in their daily lives.