MANGALURU: The Diocese of Mangalore successfully wrapped up its two-day annual Pastoral Consultation on Thursday, March 26, at Sambram Hall, St Antony’s Charity Institutes, Jeppu. The summit brought together the diocesan presbyterium to deliberate on crucial pastoral matters, including the newly translated Konkani Roman Missal, strategic initiatives for the ‘Year of Children’, and the active implementation of the CCBI pastoral plan.
The consultation, which commenced on Wednesday, March 25, opened with a detailed and highly anticipated presentation on the theological and linguistic updates in the New Konkani Roman Missal, animated by Rev. Fr Vijay Machado. The first day also featured in-depth sessions addressing liturgical practices and catechetical frameworks, guided by Rev. Fr Rohith D’Costa and Rev. Fr Bonaventure Nazareth.
Proceedings on the second day shifted focus toward pastoral challenges and opportunities. Aligning with the Diocese’s designation of 2026 as the ‘Year of Children’, Rev. Fr Leo Lasrado and Rev. Fr Santhosh Rodrigues led discussions on youth and child-related ministries. Key deliberations centred on equipping children with essential soft skills through expert training and conceptualising innovative programmes to engage the broader youth population. The morning schedule also included the crucial General Body meetings of the Parish Union and the Priests’ Aid Fund (P.A.F.).
Delivering the concluding pastoral message, Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, summarised the two-day deliberations with a strong mandate for the clergy. He called for strict adherence to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) to ensure dignified liturgy and emphasised the necessity of absolute financial transparency in parish administration. The Bishop also emphasised the diocese’s dedication to social welfare, child empowerment, educational initiatives, and youth engagement.s
The comprehensive two-day summit was coordinated by Rev. Fr Joseph Martis, Secretary of the Priests’ Council. The extensive logistical arrangements and hospitality for the clergy were managed by Rev. Fr J.B. Crasta, Director of St Antony’s Charity Institutes, Jeppu and team.
Following the conclusion of the administrative and pastoral sessions, the clergy transitioned to the Rosario Cathedral for a period of spiritual recollection directed by Rev. Fr Ivan Mendonca, S.J. The two-day gathering officially culminates on Thursday evening with the solemn Chrism Mass, where Bishop Saldanha blesses the sacred oils to be used throughout the diocese in the coming year, and the assembled priests renew their ordination promises in a display of diocesan unity.
