engaluru | 18–23 October 2026
The Missiology Department of St Peter’s Pontifical Institute, Bengaluru, organised a Mission Exposure Programme in Gulbarga Diocese from 18 to 23 October 2026, offering participants an opportunity to understand the history, growth, challenges and diverse dimensions of missionary activity in North Karnataka. The programme included visits to various mission centres, interaction with priests, religious sisters and local communities, and reflections on the Church’s evangelising mission through pastoral care, education, healthcare and social outreach.
The programme began with the participants travelling from Bengaluru to Vijayapura, where they explored the missionary initiatives and pastoral activities of the region. At Kanakal Mission, the participants were welcomed by Fr Sunil Fernandes, SJ, who inaugurated the programme. Fr Santhosh Bapu introduced the participants to Gulbarga Diocese, highlighting its missionary journey and pastoral commitments. The religious sisters shared their experiences of mission activities, and the participants visited the boarding facilities to gain an understanding of the Church’s educational and social support for children. The visit also included Holy Mass and a mission exposure experience in a nearby slum area, helping participants appreciate the realities and challenges faced by marginalised communities.
The Vijayapura mission exposure continued with a visit to the historic Gol Gumbaz and the celebration of Holy Mass at St Anne’s Church. Fr Sunil Fernandes, SJ, presented the origin and history of the Vijayapura mission, while Fr Kevin Sequeira and his team shared the activities of CNFE. The participants also interacted with religious sisters working in the region and visited the communities of the Sisters of St Joseph of Tarbes and the Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny at Nava Sanidhya. These encounters provided valuable insights into the contribution of religious congregations to education, social development and pastoral ministry.
On 21 October, the participants travelled to Kalaburagi and were received at Kripalaya, the Bishop’s House. Most Rev. Dr Robert Miranda, Bishop of Gulbarga, addressed the participants and reflected on the beginnings of the mission in the diocese, the growth of the local Church and the continuing call to evangelisation. He also presided over the Eucharistic celebration. The group subsequently visited Kristhashrama at Kaudiyal, where Fr Lawrence and Fr Clary introduced them to the mission’s activities. In Basavakalyan, the participants visited Anubhava Mantapa and interacted with Abhinava Ganalinga Rudramani Shivacharyaru, gaining insights into the region’s rich spiritual and cultural traditions. The visit to the 108-foot statue of Basaveshwara further highlighted the importance of understanding local history, culture and religious traditions in missionary engagement.
The next phase of the programme took place at ORBIT, Humnabad, and included an exploration of the Bidar mission and its integrated approach to evangelisation. Participants reflected on the historical development of the mission and learned how social apostolate, healthcare and education are integrated with pastoral ministry. A significant part of the day was devoted to visiting Kumara Chincholi village and interacting with persons living with mental illness. This encounter offered an opportunity to understand the importance of dignity, inclusion, compassionate care and community-based support for vulnerable people. The day concluded with the celebration of Holy Mass at Chalkapur village.
The final day of the programme focused on the Bhalki and Bidar missions. At the Infant Jesus Shrine, Bhalki, Fr David Anthony presented the history and development of the Bhalki mission. The participants then celebrated Holy Mass at the shrine, followed by a sharing and evaluation session in which they reflected on their experiences and the missionary insights gained throughout the programme.
The exposure programme concluded with visits to the historic Gurudwara and Bidar Fort, followed by a visit to St Joseph’s Church, Bidar. These visits offered a broader perspective on the cultural, historical and religious heritage of the region before the participants departed for Bengaluru.
The six-day Mission Exposure Programme provided a meaningful opportunity for participants to encounter the Church’s mission in its diverse expressions. Through interactions with clergy, religious congregations and local communities, they gained a deeper appreciation of the challenges and opportunities of evangelisation in North Karnataka. The programme reaffirmed that mission is not limited to proclaiming the Gospel but also involves serving the poor, accompanying the marginalised, promoting education and healthcare, fostering interreligious understanding and witnessing Christ’s love through compassionate service.
The exposure was a valuable learning experience, encouraging participants to deepen their missionary commitment and respond creatively and faithfully to the needs of the people entrusted to the Church’s pastoral care.
