On 18 August 2025, the Diocese of Gulbarga celebrated with deep joy and gratitude the 20th Episcopal Ordination Anniversary of Bishop Robert Miranda and the 20th year of the Canonical Erection of the Diocese at the Mother of Divine Grace Cathedral, Kalaburagi.
The day began with a solemn Thanksgiving Eucharist presided over by Bishop Robert Miranda, concelebrated by the priests of the diocese. In his homily, the Bishop raised a profound question: “If the Diocese of Mangalore had not taken up the Bidar mission, if the Jesuit Fathers had not embraced the Bijapur mission, what would have been the situation of faith in our diocese today?” Drawing inspiration from the Gospel, he compared this missionary journey to the disciples who struggled to catch fish until the Lord revealed His plan. He reminded the faithful of Christ’s words to Peter, “Do you love me more than these?” and emphasized that it was the Lord’s plan of love that brought life to this mission. The Bishop underlined that his role is “to serve and not to be served” and that together we are called to build a synodal Church rooted in love, communion, and service.
A heartfelt stage program followed at Mother Teresa Church Hall, beautifully coordinated by Fr. Santhosh Bapu, Vicar General, and Fr. Joseph Praveen, Cathedral Parish Priest. The program included a prayer dance by the children of St. Mary’s School, a wishing song by the Sisters, and a video presentation titled In the Spirit of the Lord prepared by Fr. Roshan D’Souza, Director of Premavani Communications, capturing the Bishop’s missionary zeal, struggles, and milestones. Fr. Ananda Prabhu SJ offered touching words of felicitation, appreciating the Bishop’s faithful shepherding of the diocese.
A cake-cutting ceremony marked the joy of the day, after which Bishop Robert Miranda delivered his anniversary message. With humility and conviction, he expressed gratitude to God and all collaborators in the mission. Looking ahead, the Bishop shared his vision: “We may not have everything, but we have what is possible in our hands – faith, people, and hope. With these, together, we can build the Kingdom of God in Gulbarga.”
The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Fr. Praveen Joseph, leaving the gathering with hearts filled with gratitude and joy. The day will be remembered as a milestone of thanksgiving, vision, and renewed missionary commitment for the Diocese of Gulbarga.
