Mangalore Diocese Unveils ‘Pastoral Plan 3.0’ to Chart Synodal Vision for 2026–2028
The Diocese of Mangalore officially launched its “Diocesan Pastoral Plan 3.0” (2026–2028), themed “A Synodal Journey,” during the Council of Priests meeting held at the Bishop’s House Hall, Kodialbail, on Thursday 23rd July. The three-year pastoral roadmap aims to renew the Church’s spiritual mission, strengthen parish communities, and enhance the participation of the laity across the diocese.
The plan was formally unveiled by Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, who, in his presidential address, emphasized the essence of synodality—walking together in faith through collaboration, shared responsibility, and active participation. He urged priests to promote a culture of cooperative leadership with religious and lay faithful at the diocesan, deanery, and parish levels to effectively address the pastoral and social challenges of the present time. Designed as a comprehensive framework, Pastoral Plan 3.0 provides a structured roadmap for implementation across the diocese over the next three years. It integrates the work of all 22 pastoral commissions, offering unified direction for the Diocese’s educational, social, charitable, and evangelization ministries.
The launch ceremony was attended by senior diocesan leaders, including Very Rev. Msgr Maxim L. Noronha, Vicar General, and Very Rev. Dr Victor George Dsouza, Chancellor. The gathering also paid tribute to the architects of the previous pastoral initiatives, recognizing the contributions of Very Rev. Fr Joseph Martis, Coordinator of Pastoral Commissions 1.0, and Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, Coordinator of Pastoral Commissions 2.0.
Very Rev. Fr Naveen Pinto, the newly appointed Coordinator of the Diocesan Pastoral Commissions (3.0), presented the vision, strategic priorities, and implementation roadmap for the 2026–2028 period. He expressed gratitude to the secretaries of all 22 pastoral commissions for their dedication in preparing detailed three-year action plans and acknowledged the strong foundation laid by his predecessors. The Council of Priests concluded with a collective commitment from the clergy to faithfully implement the objectives of Pastoral Plan 3.0 across every parish and deanery in the Diocese of Mangalore, reinforcing the Church’s mission of communion, participation, and service during the 2026–2028 pastoral term.
News and Photos:
Rev. Fr Anil Ivan Fernandes
Director, Canara Communication Center, Mangalore Diocese
