Udupi: Bishop Jerald Lobo visits Pangala Parish

By Alphonse Mendonca
Pics by Johncy Digitals
Bellevision Media Network

Shankerpura/Udupi, 19 Nov 2012: Most Rev. Dr.  Jerald Isac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Dioces paid his first visit to our Pangala (Shankerpura) Parish on 17th and 18th November to learn the needs of the parish and people.   During my vacation I had the opportunity to meet him and here below are a few points we discussed during our meeting. 

 

I was at Udupi Mother of Sorrows Church on a Saturday evening during 1st week of November and was meeting Rev. Fr. Fredie Mascarenhas and casually asked him if it is possible to meet the Bishop.  He said yes, why not but I was not sure.  It was Saturday evening and being a confirmation day for the children at Udupi next day Bishop Lobo himself was conducting the catechism and I waited for him to complete.  When he finished at 4:45pm I greeted him and requested him if I can meet him for a few minutes.  He said yes and straight away we went to his office on the 1st floor.  My intention was only to invite him for our Bellevision Decennial Celebration to be held on December 28, 2012 in Udupi.

 

The few minutes went on half-an-hour and I was feeling little worried if I am wasting his time as many others too waiting for his visit but he did not give me any feeling that I may have to leave instead went on explaining what task he has at hand, what he plans to do to the new diocese.  He took out a folder which contained all the news-paper and media reports which suggested development of the diocese, plans, visions, etc.  He told me that he would study them one by one, see what can be implemented, visit all possible parishes of Udupi Diocese this year, meet priests, people, organizations and get their views on what they need from their diocese and most importantly what they could contribute to their diocese.  Strictly there was no talk about finance but development of people, education, jobs.  He never spoke about buildings but only on many issues such as education, government jobs, encouragement to our youth, people’s engagement in developments, increase in faith and liturgy.

 

At the end I told him that I am from Pangla.  Immediately he told me that he is visiting Pangla and also told me that he has already planned his visit on 17th and 18th.  He noted and thanked for the invitation and promised me that he will attend our Decennial Celebrations.  I thanked him for his valuable time and left and I also promised him that I will send my article which appeared in Kittall.com on announcing the Udupi Diocese and new Bishop, but yet to fulfill my promise..

 

 

Secondly, as promised he visited my Parish Pangla on 17th and 18th October.  Since I work in Abu Dhabi I could not attend that function but here below is the brief report which I have received from my sister-in-law Ms. Leena Mendonsa.

 

Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Jerald Isaac Lobo visited Pangla Parish on 17th evening, was welcomed by Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Leslie D’Souza with a garland of Jasmine Flowers for which Pangala Parish is famous for.  Vice President of the Parish Council Dr. Edward Lobo officially welcomed him to the Parish.  Bishop Jerald Lobo offered the evening mass on the 17th.

 

On 18th morning Bishop offered both 7am and 10am masses and then he was felicitated by the parish council after the Sunday morning mass. 

 

On his visit, presentation of Christianity during Christ period was presented meaningfully and explained how today the same church functions.  He then met the members of Parish Council and discussion was held on Needs of the Diocese wherein all were requested to put in their views as to education, jobs, developments, family life, spirituality and all the members suggested a few urgent needs of the diocese and parish which Bishop took note of them and promised to work on their suggestions.    He was then felicitated with flower bouquet by Rev. Fr. Leslie D’Souza, Vice President Dr. Edward Lobo and Secretary Flavia Menezes.

 

He was also introduced to St. Vincent D’Paul Society and apprised of their social and charitable deeds.

 

During his discussion with YCS youth, he gave them various suggestions how to proceed on their job oriented education, courses and insisted upon going for government jobs by doing IAS, IPS and many other degrees which can be utilized and encouraged the youth to take serious note of these degrees and try to attain them for the betterment of Christian society and development.

 

I am sure in the coming months the new Bishop will look into all aspects of the needs of the Diocese and needs of the people/laity and work constantly towards these goals.  I have no doubt in my mind that we have the right Shepherd to look after his flock.