Bangalore Archdiocese

Report by Rev. Fr Vinay Kumar, Diocese of Chikmagalur

Bengaluru, Nov 17, 2024 : The Department of Missiology at St Peter's Pontifical Institute, under the able leadership of Rev. Dr. Lawrence, successfully organized a Mission Exposure Programme at the Velankani Shrine from November 1st to 6th. The Programme saw the participation of 20 students, who engaged themselves deeply with the themes of mission and faith in a real- world context. Students interviewed the various people who visit the Shrine belonging to different religious traditions and having double religious identities. This enriched them to realize how we can do mission for the wholeness of our society which is but creating new heaven and new earth Rev.21:1&5- establishment of the Reign of God on this earth.

The initiative was guided by Rev. Fr R . Kulandaisamy, secretary of Thanjavur multipurpose social service, whose expertise and direction enriched the participants' learning experience and facilitated understanding of how Shrine is carrying out the Church's Evangelizing Mission. During the Programme, Most Rev. T. Sagayraj, Bishop of Thanjavur, took the session on "Faith and its impact on Social Life". The depth of his insights provided the students with a profound understanding of the inseparable link between faith and societal transformation.

This Exposure program served as a significant step in equipping students for mission work, fostering a deeper appreciation of the Church's role in addressing societal challenges through faith- driven engagement. Students expressed their deep sense of gratitude to Very Rev. Fr Irudayraj, Rector, Fr Martin Susairaj, Fr K. Alexander the coordinator and other priests in the shrine for the meticulous arrangements.