PASTORAL VISITATION OF
CHRISTALAYA, CHIKODI, BELGAUM
Br John Alwyn Dias, Provincial Minister of Holy Trinity Province, Karnataka
conducted a Pastoral Visitation from 15th August 2022 to 17th August 2022 of
the fraternity of Christalaya, Chikodi, Belgaum. The visitation began with
Prayer and visit to the St. Francis of Assisi School on the occasion of
celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Independence Day of India. As a Chief
Guest of the well-organized colourful and a program of Children to pay
tribute to our freedom fighters and for pay due honour to our nation
Provincial was called upon to hoist the flag and deliver a speech. He
praised the glorious India which has an enormous resources both externally
and internally. Every one must work to build a better place and contribute
to the growth in every sphere of life and in every level. He appreciated the
children, teachers and management for organizing this event so meticulously
and meaningfully. The program was filled with patriotic dances, tableau,
speeches, Group dances, parade, pyramid drills and so on.
In the evening all the faithful gathered for the Holy Eucharist on the
Solemnity of the Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary. He highlighted in his
homily that the contribution of Blessed Virgin Mary in the Salvific plan of
God to each faithful and believer is unimaginable. Our Blessed Mother was
assumed into heaven body and soul. She gives a sure hope that one day we
will all be able to receive this glory of heaven if we surrender ourselves
and do the will of God here on earth as we live our lives like Mother Mary.
After the the Solemn Holy Eucharist he met the people of God.
On 16th August 2022, he offered Holy Eucharist and prayed for the friars of
the community and for all the ministry and mission of the fraternity. He met
the friars individually. In the afternoon he visited the Vimukti Center and
Vimukti Maitri Cooperative Bank through which number of poor families and
especially women draw great help from the bank and many women are assisted
through SHG groups. In the evening he paid a short visit to the Jyothi
Nilaya, Convent where the three of the Augustinian Missionary Sisters reside
and carry out various ministry in the vicinity.
On 17th August 2022 he met the Most Rev. Dr. Derek Fernandes, Bishop of the
diocese of Belgaum for a friendly visit. In the evening a community dialogue
was held and the Pastoral visitation was concluded with benediction.
