Message from Most Rev. Robert Michael Miranda
Dear Fathers, Sisters, Brothers, Catechists, and Faithful of the Diocese of Gulbarga,
The Diocese of Gulbarga was established on August 18, 2005. From that day onward, God’s loving providence has guided and nurtured us. It was through the sacrifice, dedication, and cooperation of many — clergy, religious, and laity — that this diocese has grown in faith and service.
At the beginning of the mission, we faced many challenges. But with strong faith and trust in God, and through everyone’s commitment, we have been able to plant the seeds of the Gospel in this mission land. Today, we can joyfully proclaim that the Diocese of Gulbarga is growing steadily in faith, unity, and pastoral zeal. We continue to be strengthened by the grace of God and the intercession of our patron saints.
In this sacred journey of twenty years, we have much to thank the Lord for — His boundless blessings, His guidance, and His mercy. As we prepare to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the Diocese of Gulbarga in 2025, we remember with gratitude all who have labored for the mission: our priests, sisters, catechists, lay leaders, benefactors, and the people of God.
The year 2025 will also be a Jubilee Year for the Universal Church, as declared by Pope Francis with the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” This theme calls us to renew our faith, to strengthen our hope, and to walk together in love. It is a time for deeper reflection on our Christian vocation — to be bearers of hope to the world.
In preparation for this Jubilee, the Holy Father has called the entire Church to a Year of Prayer in 2024. We are invited to renew our spiritual life through prayer, adoration, and acts of mercy. Let us take this opportunity to deepen our relationship with God through the Word, the Sacraments, and personal conversion.
Our diocesan focus for 2025 will be “Growing Together in Faith and Mission.” We will hold various programs and gatherings at the parish, zonal, and diocesan levels. The Jubilee celebration will be inaugurated in every parish on December 7–9, 2024, with the lighting of the Jubilee lamp and special prayers. The central diocesan celebration will be held in 2025. All our commissions, associations, and institutions will take part in the Jubilee preparations.
Our Holy Father Pope Francis has also presented to us the inspiring examples of young saints such as Bl. Carlo Acutis and Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati, who remind us that holiness is possible in everyday life. Like them, may our youth be rooted in the Eucharist, love of neighbor, and joyful service. The words of St. Peter — “Always be ready to give an account of the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:16) — invite us to be witnesses of faith and hope in today’s world.
Dear brothers and sisters, as we enter this Jubilee journey, let us commit ourselves anew to the mission entrusted to us — to proclaim Christ, to serve with compassion, and to build communities of love and peace. Let every parish, family, and institution in our diocese become a sign of God’s hope and goodness.
May the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, St. Francis of Assisi, and all our patron saints guide us. May this Jubilee Year bring renewal, unity, and blessings to our entire diocesan family.
With blessings and prayers,
✠ Robert Michael Miranda
Bishop of Gulbarga