Bangalore Archdiocese

By Fr Franklin Dsouza

Shivamogga, March 5, 2025 : Good Shepherd Church, Gopala, Shivamogga, celebrated its annual feast on Sunday, March 2, at 6 p.m. Most Reverend Dr. Francis Serrao, S.J., Bishop of the Diocese of Shimoga, was the main celebrant. He concelebrated the festal Holy Eucharist with thirty priests. A large number of faithful and religious sisters gathered for the celebration.

Bishop Francis's homily explained the characteristics of the Good Shepherd. He said that the Good Shepherd, Jesus, is full of compassion and mercy. As we thank him for the abundant blessings we have received throughout the year, we are indebted to commit our lives to him. In him, we have our salvation.

At the end of the Holy Eucharist, the bishop blessed the candles, and Mrs. Jenita Moses read the names of the donors who contributed generously to the success of the feast.

Parish Priest Fr. Stephen Maxi Albuquerque thanked and honored Bishop Francis Serrao SJ for being the main celebrant, Monsignor Very Rev. Fr. Stany D'Souza, Vicar General of the Diocese of Shimoga, for his presence and support, and Fr. Venil D'Silva, who rendered his services for almost three months when the Parish Priest was sick.

He also thanked Fr. Roman Pinto, parish priest of St. Francis Xavier's Church, Kable, Fr. Simon Pinto, coordinator of various commissions of Shimoga, and Fr. Franklin D'Souza, diocesan youth director, for preaching during the novena days.

This is the first feast after the newly constructed church was blessed by Most Reverend Dr. Francis Serrao, S.J., Bishop of the Diocese of Shimoga, on March 19, 2024. Fr. Veeresh Moras was the parish priest.