BIS #2284 BP. LOURDES DANIEL AT DB NASHIK

Sushma Srivastva and Prakash Nathan
NASHIK, FEBRUARY 16, 2011: After the appointment as the Bishop of the diocese of Nashik, Bishop Lourdes Daniel visited Don Bosco Church, Nashik and St. Dominic Savio Church, Satpur. The people were happy to see their new Pastor and Shepherd.

At 8.30 am he celebrated the Holy Eucharist at St. Dominic Savio Church, Satpur. The catholic families of Satpur gathered in large numbers. The Bishop broke the Word of God. After the Eucharist, he was felicitated by the Parish Council Members, Mahila Mandal and the Youth Members. After the felicitation, a Pastoral meeting with the Parish Councillors, Mahila Mandala and Youth Group Members followed. The Bishop was briefed about the history and geography of Satpur Church and the faithful. He was informed that the Catholics of Satpur were a vibrant community, receiving regular sacraments, attending regular masses, getting marriage rectifications done, etc. The Bishop was also told about the recent renovation done in the Church especially the sanctuary and the façade, the five huge street-lights put into the compound area, and about the annual get-together held on January 26. The Bishop responded, thanking all for the hard work done. He encouraged the council members to carry on doing the good work, especially the religious and social activities.

In the evening, the Bishop visited Don Bosco Church. The Parish Council Members had a meeting with the bishop at 5.30pm. The councillors presented before the Bishop their need for building a new Church (financed by the Parishioners) and the need for a new Cemetery. The Bishop in his response to the Council Members suggested the following: i) to work for vocations; ii) to get involved in the Church activities; iii) to grow in faith; iv) to be regular at the family Rosary; v) to be at the service of the Church. The Con-celebration took place at 6.30 pm. After the Eucharist the Bishop was felicitated. He then met the faithful.
All in all, it was a very fruitful visit of the Pastor and Shepherd, Bishop Lourdes Daniel. He was able to get first hand information of the Churches and the challenges of his people.