Episcopal City Deanery Launches Three-Day Lenten Bible Fest at Saint Joseph Seminary
In a vibrant and spiritually enriching initiative, the Episcopal City Deanery of the Diocese of Mangalore inaugurated a three-day Lenten celebration titled ‘Pilgrims of Hope, Instruments of Gospel’ on Sunday 6th April 2025, at Saint Joseph Seminary Jeppu Mangalore, at 5:30 PM.
This unique Lenten event features Bible-based skits and Psalm singing competitions, specially designed to offer spiritual nourishment to the faithful of all 11 parishes under the Episcopal City Deanery. Held in the backdrop of the Jubilee Year 2025 – Year of Hope, the initiative aims to deepen the community’s connection to Scripture and inspire a renewed commitment to living the Gospel.
A Spiritual Foretaste
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, described the event as a “foretaste of spiritual nourishment and a true festival of the Word of God.” He emphasized that Jesus is the source of our hope and it is through the Word of God that this hope becomes alive in the hearts of believers. “Those who live according to the Word of God experience joy and peace in their lives. The Word is not merely a text; it is a way of life. The early disciples and followers of Christ became powerful instruments of the Gospel because they lived by the Word. Their lives show us what it means to be true pilgrims of hope,” he said.
Bishop Saldanha urged the faithful to immerse themselves in Scripture and allow it to shape their daily lives, especially during this Jubilee Year dedicated to Hope.
Guests and Participants: The event was graced by dignitaries including Msgr Maxim Noronha – Vicar General, Very Rev. Fr Victor George Dsouza – Chancellor, Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul Dsouza -Bishop Emeritus, Very Rev. Fr Ronald Serrao – Rector of Saint Joseph Seminary, Very Rev. Fr Bonaventure Nazareth dean and Parish Priest of Milagres, Rev. Dr J.B. Saldanha – Parish Priest of Bejai, Rev. Fr Maxim Dsouza, Parish Priest of Jeppu, Rev. Fr Walter Dsouza – Parish Priest of Bendur, Rev. Fr Alfred Pinto – Parish Priest of Rosario Cathedral, Rev. Fr Benjamin Pinto – Parish Priest of Urwa, Several Priests of the deanery, religious sisters and many faithful from different Parishes were also present. The inauguration was followed by a series of skits and psalm-singing presentations that brought the Word of God alive through creative and musical expression.
Rev. Fr Francis Rodrigues, Alwyn Noronha and Sapna Crasta served as judges for the Bible skit competitions. Rev. Fr Antony George Pinto and Br Avil Santhumayor compered the programme.
Highlights of Day 1 – 6th April 2025
Psalm singing was presented by Cascia, Jeppu and Milagres Parish groups. Bible skits were performed by Bendur, Kulur and Tannirbhavi Parish groups, focusing on the themes of Jesus and Mary Magdalene, Jesus the Good Shepherd and John the Baptist. The Lenten Bible Fest continues for two more evenings, fostering a spirit of unity, faith and creative evangelization among the city Parishes.
