Mangalore Diocese News

News by: Daffny Lewis
Photos by: Donald Correa

Omzoor, Nov 28 : It was a joyous event for the entire parish of Holy Family Church, Omzoor to receive Bishop of Mangalore Diocese, Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha for the Pastoral visit from 26th to 27th November 2022.

Rev. Fr. Alwyn D’Cunha - Parish Priest; Dn. Lohith Mascarenhas, Mr. Patrick Pinto - Parish Council Vice-President, Mrs. Philomena Pinto - Parish Council Secretary, Mr. Arthur D’Souza - coordinator of all Commissions, Headmistress’, Teaching & Non-Teaching Staff, Students of Holy Family English School and St. Joseph’s Hr. Pry. School, Altar Servers, Representatives of various associations and a large number of Parishioners accorded a cordial welcome to the Bishop with a flower bouquet and later through a grand procession accompanied him to the church.

After a formal welcome, a meaningful prayer service was held in the church by the bishop. Then he proceeded to visit the cemetery where he blessed and offered prayers. Then he visited the Educational institutions of the parish. The Students of both schools along with their respective Headmistress & teachers held a formal programme.

In the evening the Bishop celebrated the Holy Mass and administered the sacrament of Confirmation. 65 children received the Holy Sacrament of Confirmation. Fr. Alwyn D’Cunha - Parish Priest, Fr. Trishan D’Souza - Bishop’s Secretary, Fr. Gerald Lobo OFM Cap., Fr. Felix Pinto -native priest , Fr. Naveen Moras - Parish Priest Pavoor-Uliya, Dn. Lohith Mascarenhas concelebrated the mass. After mass the bishop visited St. Charles Borromeo Convent and Monte Mariano Convent, Farangipet where he had the dinner.

On the following day. i.e., 27th November 2022 at 7.30 a.m., the Bishop addressed the entire parish community, conducted catechism for the Parishioners on Eucharist, the Bible and its importance in daily life to proclaim and meditate on the Word of God. Later the Bishop celebrated the Holy Mass. Fr. Alwyn D’Cunha - Parish Priest, Fr. Trishan D’Souza - Bishop’s Secretary, Fr. Gerald Lobo OFM Cap., Fr. Felix Pinto - native priest, Dn. Lohith Mascarenhas concelebrated the mass.

After the mass, the Bishop held meetings with various associations & commissions. All the associations & Commissions presented their reports for the past few years. The Bishop appreciated everyone for their active involvement in the association activities and gave his valuable inputs on making the associations stronger.

The Bishop held meetings with the Parish Finance Committee and Parish Pastoral Parishad. After the meetings the Bishop had lunch with the members of the Parish Pastoral Parishad. In the evening, he visited the sick and aged parishioners.

At 4pm, he visited Meramajal I Holy Family ward, where he participated in the SCC meeting. He delivered a useful message to the participants and appealed to all to follow the path of Jesus Christ.

The Pastoral visit was a unique experience for the entire parish, which enabled the people to express their faith and belongingness to the Church. The parishioners hope and pray that this visit will enable them to live a committed Christian life in the years to come.

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