Media Release
Beltangady, Oct 15: The Bishop of Mangalore diocese, Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, was on a pastoral visit to St Raphael Church Badyar, Beltangady from October 11 to 12.
Fr Roshan Crasta, the parish priest of Badyar, Premlatha Frank, the vice president of the Parish Pastoral Council; Sr Janet Rego, the superior of Bethany Convent, and the parishioners extended a warm floral welcome to the bishop on October 11.
Following the preliminary rites, the bishop conducted a catechism session for the children preparing for Confirmation. He emphasized the significance of the Sacrament of Confirmation and the transformative role of the Holy Spirit.
After the inspiring catechism session, a joyful Confirmation Mass was celebrated, during which 35 children received the Sacrament of Confirmation. One of the most memorable highlights of the visit was the bishop's interaction with the children, guiding them as they prepared for this important step in their spiritual journey.
After the Mass, bishop inaugurated and blessed the renowned Church Cemetery.
The bishop then interacted with the parish finance committee and the parish pastoral council members. Later, he had dinner with the parish pastoral council. After the dinner, the bishop reviewed all the parish finance and other documents, and then signed them.
On the second day, October 12th, the bishop held a session with the parishioners, focusing deeply on Synodal Church.
Later, he celebrated the Holy Eucharist, with the liturgy conducted by all the organizations of the church. During the mass three children received first Holy Communion from bishop. After the Mass, a meeting was held with the parents of the seminarians, the priests, and the sisters.
The bishop then had meetings with other organizations of the parish, such as the SVP, Altar Boys, Moriyal Sodality, Catholic Sabha, Strii Sangatan, ICYM, YCS, Choir and the Catechism Teachers. He also visited the convent. During the meetings, reports of the various programmes and activities carried out in the church were read.
Following the meetings, the bishop visited the homes of the sick and led a prayer service for them.
He attended a meeting of the Small Christian Community in the St Raphael ward.
The blessed visit of the bishop to St Raphael Church Badyar had a very positive impact on the parishioners. His presence marked a key moment in the history of the Badyar parish.