Attur–Karkal, June 14–16, 2025 – St Lawrence Church in Attur–Karkal was honored this weekend by the pastoral presence of Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of the Diocese of Udupi. Under the coordination of V. Rev. Fr Alban D’Souza (Parish Priest), Rev. Fr Robin Joyson Santhumayer (Assistant Priest), and Rev. Fr Roman Mascarenhas (Spiritual Director), the visit fostered unity and deepened devotion among the parish faithful.
The visit began with a solemn prayer service and a poignant pilgrimage to the parish cemetery. There, the faithful gathered to pray for the souls of their departed loved ones, reaffirming the Church’s enduring communion with the saints.
A key moment was the Bishop’s meeting with conveners’ of the Pastoral Commissions, followed by a session with the Parish Finance Council. In these interactive gatherings, Bishop Lobo offered spiritual encouragement and practical guidance on aligning effective parish administration with faithful stewardship.
On Sunday, June 15, the highlight of the visit was the solemn Eucharistic celebration. Bishop Lobo presided over the Mass alongside V. Rev. Fr Alban D’Souza, Rev. Fr Robin Santhumayer, Rev. Fr Roman Mascarenhas, and Rev. Fr Anand Castelino OFMCap. In his homily—which coincided with the feast—he reflected on the unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and invited the congregation to live out the feast’s joy by sharing Christ’s light and love in their daily lives.
Following the Mass, Bishop Lobo blessed two new homes built for needy families through the generosity of donors and parish support, symbolizing the Church’s tangible compassion.
Throughout the weekend, the Bishop engaged with numerous parish organizations, including the Sthree Sanghatan, Catholic Sabha, SVP, Secular Franciscan Order (SFO), Altar Servers, Girls’ Sodality, Missionary Children, ICYM, and YCS. He also visited Kripa Kiran—the parish counseling centre—where he met with the Capuchin Fathers to encourage their pastoral efforts.
A particularly moving highlight was the Bishop’s attendance at a Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) gathering, a testament to his commitment to grassroots faith formation.
The visit concluded at St Lawrence Convent, where Bishop Lobo participated in enriching spiritual dialogue with the sisters. He also visited sick and elderly parishioners, offered prayers and comfort, and met with members of the Senior Citizens’ Club.
This blessed pastoral visit left a profound spiritual impression on the community of St Lawrence Church, Attur–Karkal. Bishop Lobo’s presence—marked by prayer, compassion, and pastoral wisdom—has reenergized the parish, inspiring renewed zeal and devotion among the faithful.