The Bishop, often regarded as the spiritual shepherd, carries the sacred duty of caring for the flock entrusted to his care. As Christ’s representative in the diocese, a Bishop ensures that the faithful are spiritually nourished, guided, and encouraged in their journey of faith. One of the most significant expressions of this shepherding role is the Pastoral Visit—an opportunity for the Bishop to connect personally with the clergy, religious, and laity in their respective parishes. It is a time for fostering unity, strengthening relationships, and guiding the parish toward deeper faith and commitment.
The Pastoral Visit by Archbishop Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado and the auxiliary bishops, Most Rev. Dr. Arokiaraj Satis Kumar and Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Susainathan, to St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral and Ascension Church marked a significant moment of renewal for these vibrant parish communities.
Pastoral Visit to St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral
The mother parish of the Archdiocese, St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, hosted the Archbishop and his auxiliary bishops for a three days, during which they engaged deeply with the parish community. The Pastoral Visit provided an opportunity for the Bishops to meet the parish priests, review parish records, and interact with key associations such as the parish council, finance committee, the Legion of Mary, and other active groups.
Fr. D. Arokiaswamy, the Parish Priest of St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, assisted by Fr. Alwyn and Fr. Packia, expressed his gratitude for the visit, saying:
"The presence of the Archbishop and the auxiliary bishops has truly strengthened our parish community. Their interactions with the parishioners and the clergy have given us renewed motivation to deepen our spiritual efforts and serve our people better. The small interventions and suggestions made by the Bishops have been encouraging, and we look forward to implementing them for the benefit of the parish."
The visit included special moments where the Bishops met with catechism children, teachers, and various religious associations. Their presence in the homes of the sick and the less fortunate added a personal touch, symbolizing the Church’s mission to reach out to the suffering. The Bishops also visited the cemetery, praying for the departed, reinforcing the spiritual bond that unites both the living and the deceased within the parish.
Pastoral Visit to Ascension Church, D’Costa Layout
Following the visit to the Cathedral, Archbishop Peter Machado and his auxiliary bishops visited Ascension Church, led by Fr. John Rose, the Parish Priest, assisted by Fr. Magimai Doss and Fr. Anthony. The Pastoral Visit provided a unique opportunity for the clergy and parishioners of Ascension Church to share their joys, concerns, and experiences with the Bishops.
Fr. John Rose commented on the significance of the visit:
"The Pastoral Visit by Archbishop Peter Machado and the auxiliary bishops has been a blessing for our parish. It has given us an opportunity to reflect on our mission as a community of faith, and the guidance provided by the Bishops has inspired us to further strengthen our pastoral and social outreach efforts. Their willingness to spend time with our people, especially the sick and the poor, has left a lasting impact on our parish."
During their time at Ascension Church, the Bishops met with the parish council and finance committee, giving them encouragement and direction for future endeavors. The visit to the homes of the sick and the marginalized, as well as the meetings with various parish associations, highlighted the Bishops’ desire to be closely connected with the parish’s day-to-day life.
A Moment of Renewal for Both Parishes
The Pastoral Visits to both St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral and Ascension Church underscored the commitment of the Archbishop and the auxiliary bishops to engage personally with their flock, providing spiritual and pastoral care. These visits are not merely formalities but opportunities for dialogue, reflection, and pastoral guidance, ensuring that the Church continues to serve its faithful with dedication and compassion.
As Archbishop Machado continues his journey of pastoral care, alongside the auxiliary bishops, these visits signify a renewed focus on building strong, united communities that reflect the love of Christ in every aspect of parish life. Both Fr. Arokiaswamy and Fr. John Rose, along with their respective teams, expressed their gratitude and excitement for the future, strengthened by the leadership and presence of their Bishops.
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