Infant Jesus Church, Agasebagil, Sirsi, welcomed its Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, for a two-day pastoral visit on 24 and 25 October 2026. The visit provided an opportunity for the Bishop to interact with the parish community, assess its pastoral activities, listen to the concerns of the faithful, and encourage them in their spiritual journey. The parish community accorded him a warm and cordial welcome at the main gate. The visit commenced with a prayer service in the church, invoking God’s blessings upon the parish and its faithful, followed by the blessing of the cemetery.
During the visit, the Bishop met members of various parish associations and commissions, including the Catholic Women’s League, MCA – Children’s Club, Catechism Teachers, Father’s Association, ICYM, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC), and the Parish Pastoral and Financial Committee. These interactions provided an opportunity to review the activities of the different groups, appreciate their contributions to parish life, and encourage greater participation in the mission of the Church. He also held a meeting with the committee dealing with the cemetery land dispute and reviewed the parish office records in consultation with the parish priest, giving attention to administrative responsibilities and matters concerning the welfare of the parish.
On Sunday, 25 October, the pastoral visit continued with meetings with members of the Catholic Association, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVP), altar boys, and candidates preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. The highlight of the visit was the Confirmation Mass, during which the Bishop administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to the candidates. In his pastoral exhortation, he encouraged them to grow in faith, remain faithful to Christ, and bear witness to the Gospel through their words and actions. The celebration marked an important milestone in the spiritual lives of the candidates and reaffirmed the parish’s commitment to nurturing young people in the Christian faith.
The Bishop also met liturgical animators and choir members, appreciating their service in enriching the liturgical celebrations and promoting active participation in the life of the Church. His interaction with local leaders further strengthened the relationship between the Church and the wider community. As part of his pastoral outreach, he visited the convent, the homes of seminarians, priests, and religious, and the sick, offering encouragement, prayer, and pastoral support. He also participated in the Wado Liturgy and visited Hanumanthi as part of his engagement with the local community.
The two-day pastoral visit was a meaningful occasion of prayer, fellowship, dialogue, and spiritual renewal for Infant Jesus Church, Agasebagil, Sirsi. Through his meetings with parish associations, pastoral councils, young people, families, and individuals, the Bishop strengthened the bond between the diocesan leadership and the parish community. The visit encouraged the faithful to deepen their spiritual lives, work together in unity, and continue contributing actively to the mission of the Church.
