Media Release

Udupi, May 11: As per the directive of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), special prayers were held across churches in the Udupi diocese on Sunday, seeking blessings and protection for the Indian Army and its soldiers.

During the Sunday Eucharistic celebrations in every church, clergy offered prayers for the well-being of soldiers guarding the nation at the borders. These prayers were accompanied by special adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

The bishop of Udupi diocese, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, who is currently on his official annual pastoral visit, led the special prayer service at St Joseph Church in Belman, Karkala taluk. He also offered prayers for Pope Leo XIV, newly elected as the supreme pontiff of the Catholic Church, wishing him divine guidance in his spiritual leadership.

Addressing the congregation, Bishop Lobo noted that the global Christian community was observing the Feast of the Good Shepherd and highlighted the significance of Pope Leo XIV’s election as a symbol of hope and peace for the world. Referring to the tense situation at the India-Pakistan border, he praised Indian soldiers for their unwavering commitment to national security, even at the cost of their lives. He emphasized the need for continuous prayers for these brave soldiers.

He further mentioned that the new Pope has called for global peace through dialogue and mutual understanding, encouraging everyone to live as brothers and sisters.

The bishop expressed hope that peace would prevail in India too and that the shadow of war would be lifted. He urged both nations to abandon the path of violence and work towards establishing peace, assuring that public support for the soldiers would inspire and strengthen their spirit.

Also present at the service were Fr Fred Mascarenhas, parish priest of Belman Church; assistant priest Fr Arnold Mathias; and Fr Clement Mascarenhas, parish priest of Christ the King Church, Karkala.