News by: Daffny Lewis, Omzoor
Photos by: Donald Correa, Omzoor
Omzoor, Nov 26-27: It was a joyous event for the entire parish of Holy Family Church, Omzoor to receive bishop of Mangalore diocese, Dr Peter Paul Saldanha for the pastoral visit from November 26 to 27.
Fr Alwyn D’Cunha (parish priest), Dn Lohith Mascarenhas, Patrick Pinto (parish council vice-president), Philomena Pinto (parish council secretary), Arthur D’Souza, coordinator of all commissions, headmistress’, teaching & non-teaching staff, students of Holy Family English School and St Joseph’s higher primary 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 and teachers held a formal programme.
In the evening, the bishop celebrated the Holy Mass and administered the sacrament of Confirmation. As many as 65 children received the Holy Sacrament of Confirmation. Fr Alwyn D’Cunha, 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 the Mass, the bishop visited St Charles Boromeo Convent and Monte Mariano Convent, Farangipet where he had the dinner.
On the following day. ie, November 27, 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, Fr Trishan D’Souza (bishop’s secretary), Fr Gerald Lobo (OFM Cap.), Fr Felix Pinto (native priest), and Dn Lohith Mascarenhas concelebrated the Mass.
After the Mass, the bishop held meetings with various associations and commissions. All the associations and 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 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.
He later visited Meramajal I Holy Family ward, where he participated in the SCC meeting. He delivered useful message to the participants and appeal 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.