Most Rev. Dr Gerald Lobo, the esteemed Bishop of Udupi, conducted his pastoral visit to Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Kolalgiri, from September 28th to 30th, 2024. The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Joseph Machado, along with the parishioners, gave the Bishop a heartfelt welcome.
The visit began with a prayer service at the cemetery, followed by a catechism session on the Sacrament of Confirmation for 44 young parishioners. The Bishop interaction with the Parish Finance Committee reflected his dedication to the spiritual and administrative well-being of the church.
On September 29th, a joyous Holy Eucharist was celebrated, during which 44 children received the Sacrament of Confirmation. In his homily, Bishop Lobo emphasized the importance of prayer and encouraged the faithful to deepen their relationship with God through meaningful prayer.
Post-Mass, the Bishop held meetings with various parish groups, including the Altar Boys, Girls' Sodality, Missionary Children, ICYM, and YCS. In the afternoon, he interacted with the SFO, Sthree Sanghatan, Catholic Sabha, Parish Pastoral Council, and the Pastoral Commissions' animators. He also attended a Basic Ecclesial Community meeting in one of the wards, showcasing his commitment to grassroots-level faith engagement.
On the final day, September 30th, Bishop Lobo celebrated the Holy Eucharist at Crista Jyothi Convent, Kolalgiri, and visited the sick in the parish, bringing comfort and blessings. He also met with members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVP) and visited Sacred Heart School, where he interacted with the students.
The pastoral visit concluded with a prayer service, leaving a lasting impact on the faith community of Kolalgiri, further deepening their spiritual journey.