The Diocesan Pastoral Council convened at Sugyan, the Diocesan Pastoral Center, on August 9th. The meeting was initiated by Very Rev. Stany Lobo, the Pastoral Plan Coordinator of the Gulbarga Diocese, who delivered the keynote address, citing Canon Law about the need of Diocesan Pastoral Plan. The election of the Secretary was conducted through a vote, resulting in the election of Sudheer Bidar. Following the election, Fr. Stany Lobo formally handed over the minutes book of the Diocesan Pastoral Council to the newly elected Secretary.
An Agenda Committee was formed, comprising Mr. Amalnathan, Sr. Sharajana, and Fr. Sunil Andrade, who were chosen to serve in this capacity. During the meeting, Bishop Robert Miranda emphasized the importance of pastoral work at the parish, deanery, and diocesan levels. He underscored that the Diocesan Pastoral Council is a forum for discussing key issues affecting the diocese. The Bishop stressed that all members of the Council must also be active members of at least one diocesan commission. Each member was asked to choose a specific commission to serve.
Bishop Robert Miranda also shared his concerns regarding various diocesan matters, including the need for greater participation of men in church activities, the education of youth, interfaith marriages, and the emergence of strong leaders both in political and ecclesiastical spheres. These and other issues were thoroughly discussed during the event.
