Kalaburagi, February 8, 2025 – The Diocese of Gulbarga joyfully celebrated the Day of the Consecrated Life at the Mother of Divine Grace Cathedral, Kalaburagi, bringing together religious priests, sisters, and brothers from various congregations to reflect on their vocation and commitment to the Church. The event, held at the diocesan level, was a solemn and spiritually enriching experience for all present. The keynote address was delivered by Rev. Fr. Lawrence D’Almeida, Provincial Superior of the Fathers of Holy Cross (Province of South India), who was the resource person for the day. In his inspiring talk, he emphasized the theme “Religious as Pilgrims of Hope,” highlighting the role of consecrated persons in carrying forward the mission of Christ with faith, perseverance, and unwavering hope in challenging times.
The day was marked by moments of deep prayer and spiritual renewal. The Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament provided an opportunity for the religious to reflect and renew their commitment to Christ. The Sacrament of Reconciliation was also made available, allowing the attendees to experience the grace of God’s mercy. The celebration reached its spiritual peak with the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Robert Miranda, Bishop of Gulbarga, who celebrated the Mass with deep reverence and devotion.
Apart from the spiritual exercises, the day also included a few entertainment programs presented by the religious, which added a joyful dimension to the gathering. Bishop Robert Miranda, in his address, shared key highlights from the recently held CCBI (Conference of Catholic Bishops of India) meeting in Bhubaneswar, shedding light on the discussions, pastoral concerns, and future directions of the Church in India.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Fr. Joseph Praveen, who expressed gratitude to the religious men and women for their selfless service and dedication to the diocese. As a token of appreciation and recognition, each religious was presented with a rose by the diocese, symbolizing love, gratitude, and respect for their unwavering commitment to the mission of Christ.The celebration served as a moment of spiritual renewal and fraternity, reminding all present of their sacred call to serve God and His people with joy, faith, and hope.
