The Diocese of Gulbarga organized a one-day Laity Convention on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Convention Hall, Bidar as part of its preparation for the Jubilee Year 2025. The event, held under the theme “ಜೊತೆ ಜೊತೆಯಾಗಿ ಸೇರೋಣ, ಧರ್ಮಸಭೆಯನ್ನು ಬೆಳೆಸೋಣ” (Together, let us build the Church in communion and service), brought together Parish Pastoral Council Members, priests, and religious sisters from across the diocese.
The convention was inaugurated by Most Rev. Dr. Robert Miranda, Bishop of Gulbarga, who in his address emphasized the vital role of the laity in parish life, encouraging them to take up leadership with responsibility and missionary zeal.
Present on the dais were Fr. Santhosh Bapu (Vicar General), Fr. Anil Prasad (Regional Laity Coordinator), Fr. Richard Menezes (Retreat Preacher and Director of Dhyana Sadhana Holistic Spirituality Centre, Bogadi, Mysuru), Fr. Clary D’Souza (Dean), Fr. Lawrence Arun (Secretary of the Laity Commission), Mr. Suresh Dotty (President, Catholic Association), and lay leaders Mr. Sudheer and Mrs. Benisha.
The program began with a vibrant performance of the theme song, expressing the unity and mission of the Church. Fr. Anil Prasad delivered a powerful input based on the parables of the Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, and Prodigal Son. Reflecting on the metaphors of ಯೇಸುವಿನ ನೆರಳು, ಯೇಸುವಿನ ಕೊರಳು, ಯೇಸುವಿನ ಬೆರಳು Jesus’ neck, shadow, and finger, he raised a thought-provoking question: “Who is responsible when someone is lost?” – inviting participants to reflect deeply on pastoral care and responsibility.
Fr. Richard Menezes, in his session, spoke on Service in the Church through the Corporal and Spiritual Acts of Mercy. He invited the laity to examine their personal contribution to the Church’s mission by asking, “What can I do for the Church?”
Participants were grouped according to parishes for discussions and were invited to present their insights and practical suggestions on laity involvement. Bishop Miranda later summarized and affirmed their reflections, encouraging each parish to act on the shared vision.
The day concluded with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, during which Parish Vice Presidents took an oath of commitment to serve the Church faithfully. The convention stood as a strong step forward in the diocesan journey toward Jubilee 2025, calling the faithful to be true Pilgrims of Hope.
