On September 27, James Mendonca, president of Mangalore Konkans Dubai, along with Ronald & Regina Sequeira, Rony & Aboline D’Cunha, and Joyce Menezes, visited the Gulbarga diocese to witness the impactful work of missionaries and engage with the dedicated local community in Bidar and Gulbarga. The visit aimed to support their mission of spreading love, hope, and peace.
During their trip, the group attended the blessing and inauguration of the new Holy Spirit Chapel in Hosalli and participated in a Holy Mass at St Joseph’s Church in Mudhol-Santpur, both initiatives backed by Mangalore Konkans Dubai. They were guided by Bishop Dr. Robert Michael Miranda, who has been a visionary leader for the diocese, providing selfless service to the community.
The visitors toured various mission centers, including Bhalki, Jalasangi, Santhpur, Bidar, Kaudiyal, and Hamnabad. They were particularly impressed by the boarding schools, where children were encouraged to communicate in English and were provided resources to prepare for civil service exams.
At the Kristhashram in Kaudiyal Mission, they discovered a center that offers prayer, inner healing, and counseling, which has become a source of strength for many. The Sathyanubhava Center in Basavakalyan focuses on fostering inter-religious dialogue and unity among different faiths.
They also visited the Arogya Mata Seva Kendra in Bhalki, a facility providing healing and education since 1985, having treated and rehabilitated over 1,500 leprosy patients. The ORBIT center in Humnabad works on women’s development and rehabilitation for those facing mental health challenges, providing livestock support for economic independence. At Mother Teresa Charitable Hospital in Kalaburagi, essential medical care, including cataract surgeries, is provided to marginalized individuals.
The experiences underscored the extensive missionary work carried out in the Gulbarga Diocese, initiated by the late Bishop Basil D’Souza in 1982 and continued by Bishop Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza until 2005. Currently, Bishop Robert Michael Miranda leads the efforts to improve the socio-economic conditions of marginalized communities, providing quality education irrespective of caste, creed, or religion.
Despite limited resources, the Gulbarga Diocese remains committed to uplifting lives in these regions. The organization encourages all Christians to embrace their calling as missionaries and invites retirees with a passion for social service to consider volunteering at these mission centers.
About Mangalore Konkans Dubai
Founded in 1988, Mangalore Konkans Dubai aims to promote the Konkani language and culture among the Mangalurean diaspora in the UAE. It has played a vital role in supporting the Mangalurean community in Dubai and Dakshina Kannada. The organization has been instrumental in various cultural activities, establishing a strong platform for Mangalureans to connect and celebrate their heritage. Notably, it organized the first Konkani Way of the Cross, the first nativity feast for children in Dubai, and facilitated the presence of a Konkani-speaking priest, leading to the initiation of permanent Konkani Mass in the region.
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