Pastoral visit of Infant Mary Church by the Bishop of Mangalore
It was indeed a joyous and memorable event for the entire parish of Infant Mary Church, Bajjodi to receive Bishop Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha for the Pastoral visit on 16th and 17th September 2021.

The Priests from Infant Mary Parish, Vice President Mr. Prakash Saldanha, Secretary Mrs. Irene Pinto, Coordinator Mr. Joseph Mascarenhas, members of the Parish Council, Altar Servers, Choir members, Sisters of OSS community, representatives from different associations, St. Joseph’s Monastery Friars and brothers, Parishioners along with the 54 Confirmation candidates gathered at OSS Convent at 3.15pm on the 16th of September to receive Bishop Most Rev. Peter Paul Saldanha and gave him a warm welcome. The gathering then accompanied His Excellency to the new serene ambience of the well decorated Infant Mary Church, Bajjodi and was welcomed with Flowers by 12 First Holy Communicants dressed in white at the entrance of the Church.

A meaningful prayer service was held in the church where the Bishop gave teaching on Indulgence. Thereafter at 4.15 pm, the Bishop conducted catechism on the sacrament of confirmation for the 54 candidates of our parish who were to receive the sacrament of confirmation. At 5.15pm Holy Eucharist was celebrated by the Bishop along with Fr. Rohan Lobo, Bishop Secretary, Fr. Charles Serrao, Superior, St. Joseph’s Monastery, Frs. Lancy Lewis, Jocy Dsouza and Rudolph Pinto. Fr. Ivan D'souza, Parish Priest, Frs. Patrick Lobo and Rayan Pinto. During the mass, the Sacrament of Confirmation was conferred by the Bishop to the 54 candidates of the parish. After the solemn Eucharist Bishop prayed for the departed members of the parish.

Thereafter at 7.00 pm Bishop had a meeting of the Finance committee and Parish Pastoral Council. Bishop interacted with all the members and gave his inputs and suggestions on various issues.

On 17th September 2021, at 8.15am Bishop addressed the entire parish community, conducted catechism for the parishioners on church teachings and then celebrated the Holy mass. Fr. Rohan Lobo, Fr. Ivan D'souza, Fr Patrick Lobo and Fr. Rayan Pinto concelebrated at the Eucharist. After the mass Bishop had a meeting with the parents of the religious and the religious heads of the parish. At 10.45am, the Bishop had a meeting with the various associations of the parish - Altar servers, YCS, ICYM, SVP, Legion of Mary, OCDS and Catechism teachers. The Bishop was then felicitated for completing three years as the Bishop of Mangalore Diocese.

At 3.00pm the Bishop visited the sick of the parish, offered prayers and gave them communion. Later at 3.30 pm he visited the OSS Sisters convent and interacted with them. Soon after at 4pm he participated in the Small Christian Community (SCC) meeting of St. Joseph ward at the church hall under the leadership of Gurkar Mr. John Dsouza. Thereafter the Bishop returned to the bishop’s house.

The Pastoral visit was an unique experience for the entire parish, which enabled the people to express their faith and belongingness to the Church. We hope and pray that this visit will enable us to live a committed Christian life in the years to come.