Gulbarga Diocese

The Gulbarga Diocese Education Society (GDES) organised Pratibha Fest 2026, an inter-school competition celebrating the sporting abilities, creativity and diverse talents of students from schools across the Diocese of Gulbarga. The festival featured a variety of sporting, literary and cultural competitions, providing students with opportunities to demonstrate their skills, build confidence and develop a spirit of healthy competition.

The sports competitions were held at Chandrashekhar Patil District Stadium, Kalaburagi. Students participated enthusiastically in athletics, including 100-metre, 200-metre and 400-metre running events, long jump, shot put, volleyball and throwball. The competitions showcased the students’ athletic abilities, determination, discipline and sportsmanship.

The cultural events and talent show were held at St. Mary’s School, Kotnoor. Students displayed their creativity and artistic abilities through essay writing, speech, drawing, solo singing, group singing and group dance. These events provided a platform for young talents to express themselves and appreciate the artistic abilities of their peers. St. Mary’s School, Kotnoor, recorded several notable achievements across athletics and cultural competitions. St. Joseph’s School, Bidar; St. Peter’s School, Shahapur; St. Mary’s School, Church Road; and other participating schools also secured commendable positions in various events.

Pratibha Fest 2026 was more than a competition; it was an opportunity to foster friendship, teamwork, leadership, creativity and mutual respect among students. The enthusiastic participation of students and the guidance of teachers reflected the commitment of GDES to the holistic development of children.

The festival celebrated the importance of nurturing every child’s potential, recognising excellence and creating opportunities for students to shine beyond the classroom. GDES Pratibha Fest 2026 – Inspiring Young Minds, Nurturing Talents and Celebrating Excellence!

The Diocesan Pastoral Council Meeting was held on 29 August 2026 at Mother of Divine Grace Cathedral, Gulbarga, bringing together members of the council for prayer, reflection and discussion on the pastoral mission of the Diocese. Most Rev Dr Robert Miranda delivered the introductory remarks and welcomed the council members. He encouraged them to remain committed to their pastoral responsibilities and to work together for the growth of the Church and the well-being of the faithful in the Diocese of Gulbarga.

As part of the ongoing Year of the Family, the meeting gave special attention to the challenges faced by families today. Mr. Monthu Moras and Mrs. Vinetha D’Souza from Missionary Families for Christ (MFC) shared their practical experiences and reflections on family life. Their presentation highlighted the difficulties confronting families in today’s society and emphasized the importance of strengthening marriage, nurturing healthy family relationships and promoting pro-life values.

The sharing was practical, relevant and inspiring, offering the council members valuable insights into the realities experienced by families and the need for renewed pastoral care and support. The emphasis was placed on building families rooted in love, commitment, faith and respect for human life.

The session was followed by a video message on family life by Mr. Leslie Arouza, which further encouraged the participants to reflect on the role of the family as the foundation of Christian life and society. The meeting served as an important opportunity for the Diocesan Pastoral Council to reflect on the pastoral priorities of the Diocese, particularly the mission of strengthening families during the Year of the Family. The members were encouraged to carry this vision forward in their respective parishes and communities and to contribute actively to building families that are strong, united and rooted in Christian values. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment among the council members to work together in promoting the pastoral mission of the Diocese and strengthening family life across the Diocese of Gulbarga.

The Laity Commission of the Diocese of Gulbarga organised training programmes on “Strengthening Parish Structures for Effective Mission” for the Bidar, Gulbarga and Bijapur Deaneries on 15 and 16 August 2026.

The first programme was held on 15 August at Infant Jesus Shrine, Bhalki, for the Bidar Deanery. Most Rev. Dr. Robert Miranda, Bishop of Gulbarga, encouraged the participants to build active, vibrant and participatory Parish Pastoral Councils that can effectively contribute to the mission of the Church.

Fr. Santhosh Dias, National Secretary of the CBCI Commission for Health, served as the resource person and conducted the training sessions. The programme brought together PPC Presidents, Vice-Presidents, Secretaries and Superiors of Religious Congregations. On 16 August 2026, a similar training programme was held for the Gulbarga and Bijapur Deaneries, with the participation of PPC Presidents, Vice-Presidents, Secretaries and Superiors of Religious Congregations. Fr. Santhosh Dias continued as the resource person.

The sessions focused on strengthening parish structures, fostering collaboration among clergy, religious and laity, and encouraging effective participation in the mission of the Church. The participants were inspired to take greater responsibility in parish life and to work together in building vibrant, participatory and mission-oriented communities.
The programmes were organised under the coordination of Fr. David, Secretary of the Laity Commission, Gulbarga Diocese. The two-day training concluded with a renewed commitment among the participants to strengthen Parish Pastoral Councils and promote a more active and collaborative approach to the mission of the Church.

Wadi, July 26, 2026: The faithful of St. Ann Church, Wadi, celebrated a historic and joyful occasion with the Blessing and Inauguration of the Renovated St. Ann Church, together with the Feast of St. Ann, Patroness of the Parish. The solemn celebration was presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Robert Miranda, Bishop of Gulbarga. Bishop Robert Miranda was accorded a grand and traditional welcome with a band and cultural dance at the entrance of the church. Parishioners, children, youth, religious sisters and members of the Parish Pastoral Council warmly received the Bishop and accompanied him in a festive procession. The celebration began with the Novena Prayer to St. Ann in front of the church. This was followed by the unveiling of the commemorative plaque. On the occasion, Bishop Miranda gratefully remembered the timely and generous assistance of Mr. Michael D’Souza and Family, whose support played an important role in bringing the renovation work to completion.

The Bishop, together with the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC), formally inaugurated the renovated church. He then proceeded with the solemn blessing of the church, followed by the dedication of the altar and the Tabernacle, setting apart the renewed sacred space for divine worship and the spiritual nourishment of the faithful. In a meaningful gesture, Bishop Robert Miranda handed over the key of the renovated church to Rev. Fr. Roshan D’Souza, Parish Priest, entrusting him with the pastoral responsibility of caring for the church and faithfully serving the parish community.

During the thanksgiving programme, Fr. Roshan D’Souza expressed heartfelt gratitude to Bishop Robert Miranda for his constant guidance, encouragement and permission to undertake the renovation. He also thanked the Parish Pastoral Council, religious sisters, parishioners, benefactors, donors, engineers, workers and all those who contributed in different ways. Special gratitude was expressed to Mr. Michael D’Souza and Family. Fr. Roshan recalled that when the available Minority Department funds were exhausted and additional financial support was required to complete the renovation, the timely generosity of Mr. Michael D’Souza made it possible to bring the work to its successful completion. The benefactors and those who rendered significant service to the renovation project were also felicitated and honoured as a sign of the parish community’s gratitude.

The celebration concluded in a spirit of thanksgiving and fellowship. A fellowship meal was served to all the faithful and guests, making the occasion a true celebration of faith, gratitude and communion. The renovated St. Ann Church now stands as a beautiful testimony to God’s providence, the intercession of St. Ann, the generosity of benefactors and the united efforts of the entire parish community.

Kalaburagi, July 19, 2026: The Karnataka Regional Service of Communion (KRSC) gathered at the Bishop’s House, Diocese of Gulbarga, on July 18 and 19, 2026, for a two-day meeting focused on prayer, discernment, fellowship, and pastoral planning. The meeting was held under the guidance of Most Rev. Dr. Robert Miranda, Bishop of Gulbarga and Episcopal Advisor to KRSC.

The KRSC team for 2022–2026 present at the meeting included Mr. Cherian Ramapuram, Coordinator; Mr. Thomas Chinnappa, Secretary; Mr. Joachim Pinto, National NSC Member; and members Mr. Elias Coelho, Mr. Ronald D'Souza, Mr. Bosco Solomon, Mrs. Mercy Menezes, Mr. Jabamalai Muthu, and Mr. Viju Xavier. Rev. Fr. Franklin D'Souza, Spiritual Director of KRSC, and Rev. Fr. Clary, Spiritual Director of the Diocese of Gulbarga, also participated in the deliberations.

The meeting began on Saturday, July 18, with Praise and Worship led by Elias and Rony. Mr. Cherian Ramapuram welcomed the gathering, after which Bishop Robert Miranda delivered the keynote address on the theme, “Are We a Mission-Filled, Spirit-Filled Church or a Static Church?”

Drawing inspiration from the examples of Barnabas and Philip in the Acts of the Apostles, Bishop Miranda invited the participants to reflect deeply on their personal calling, prayer life, and commitment to the mission of the Church. He stressed the importance of beginning each day with 30 minutes of Eucharistic Adoration and encouraged the formation of an “army of prayer” in every parish. He also urged the team to identify, encourage, and nurture Spirit-filled individuals who could dedicate themselves to the work of the Lord.

Following the keynote address, Bishop Robert Miranda celebrated the Holy Eucharist and offered special prayers for the mission and ministry of KRSC across Karnataka.

The business sessions included the presentation of the Secretary’s Report for 2022–2026 by Mr. Thomas Chinnappa and the Financial Report by Coordinator Mr. Cherian Ramapuram. Rev. Fr. Franklin D'Souza then presented reflections on the “Way Forward” for KRSC, followed by a session highlighting the rights and responsibilities of the KRSC team.

During the planning sessions, Mr. Cherian Ramapuram presented the National Programmes of NSC. Under the guidance of Bishop Robert Miranda, the team discussed and finalized the regional programmes for 2026–2029. The members also shared their views and discerned future priorities in key areas such as DSC, Youth Ministry, Intercession, and Pro-Life initiatives.

The first day concluded in a prayerful atmosphere with Eucharistic Adoration, followed by fellowship over dinner and Night Prayer.

On Sunday, July 19, Rev. Fr. Franklin D'Souza celebrated the Holy Eucharist at Mary Mother of Divine Grace Cathedral, Kalaburagi, followed by Healing Adoration. A meaningful sharing session was also held, during which the members shared their personal experiences and encounters with the Lord. The two-day gathering concluded with lunch and fellowship.

The KRSC meeting was a grace-filled experience of prayer, fraternity, discernment, and mission planning. Renewed by the Holy Spirit, the team resolved to move forward with greater zeal and commitment towards building a Spirit-filled and mission-oriented Church in Karnataka.

The KRSC expressed its heartfelt gratitude to Most Rev. Dr. Robert Miranda and the Diocese of Gulbarga for their warm hospitality, spiritual guidance, and generous support in making the gathering a meaningful and enriching experience.

02 -VidyaNidi – Loan distribution (Gulbarga)
03 - VidyaNidi - Loan (Bidar) distribution/ Jathra Meeting II
04 -Feast of St. Francis Assisi – Halbarga
08-09 -Ekamba – Kamal Nagar Visits
10 - Consultors Meeting
11 -MEP – Glb Deaneries
14 -Jeevan Jyothi Finale (11-14)
18 -Youth Retreat Mass
21-22 -St. Peter’s Missiology - MTH Students Exposure Pgm
24-25 -GDES – Sports / Cultural Competition (19 – 23)
25 -MEP – Bhalki Zone
29 - Blessing of Renovation of Bethany Convent, Jalasangi
31 -Jathra Meeting III

On 26 February 2022 the Talmadige ICYM unit organized an inter-parish volleyball tournament for the youth of Gulbarga Diocese at St. Lawrence Church, Gandinagar. The tournament was presided over by Rev. Fr. Stany Lobo, Vicar General of Gulbarga diocese. Rev. Fr Livin, the Director of the Talmadige and ICYM unit conducted the event. Teams from Talmadgi, Itga, Bhalki, Chithapur, Ujini, Bidar actively participated in the tournament. Team of Itga Mission emerged as champions of the tournament whereas Team of Chittapur Parish were the runners-up of the tournament.

Fr Satny Lobo; the Vicar General, Fr. Christuraj SDB, the Youth Director, Sr Leena Bennies BS; Lady Animator of ICYM, Sr Gracy, Superior of the Talmadige Convent, Mr Megharaj, Mr Basavaraj Acharya, Mr Mallikarjun Kumbar, Mr Sidhu Patil BJP Leader and Mr Sanjay Jagirdar other guests were present During the Valedictory function.

The golden jubilee celebration of Sr Christine Misquith AC in the vineyard of the Lord was held on 17 January 2022 at St. Joseph’s Church, Bidar. The occasion was enriched by the solemn Eucharistic celebration by Most Rev. Robert Miranda, and concelebrated by many priests from near and far. The jubilee spirit heightened and enriched with the presence of Sr. Maria Shamitha AC, the provincial Superior, AC sisters of different communities and Parishioners of St. Joseph’s Church, Bidar. Felicitation program was organized in the Church Hall after the Holy Eucharist. Most Rev. Dr Robert Miranda, Bishop of Gulbarga. Rev. Sr Christine Misqith- Jubelarian . Very Rev. Sr Maria Shamita AC- Provincial Superior of Karnataka Province. Mrs. Mangala Bhagvat- Central Post Office, Bidar. Mr. Gurunath Gadde- President Sadbhavana Munch. Mr. Amruith Rao Chimkode – Social Activist. Mr.Subhramanyam Prabhu- Director, Sharada Institute. Mr. Sanjay Jagirdar- Ex- BHUDA Chairman, Bidar. Fr Wilson Ferna

St. Joseph Nivas: The newly put up residence for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambery was inaugurated and blessed on 11 January, 2022 by Most Rev. Robert Michael Miranda, Bishop of Gulbarga. The whole ceremony began with a prayer service led by Bishop Robert Miranda during which Rev. Sr Cecile Coutinho, the Provincial Superior of the Nagpur Province inaugurated the Convent by cutting the ribbon. Bishop then continued praying over the new house and the Sisters who are going to live in it.

Soon after the inauguration and the blessing there was a Thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration presided by the bishop followed by a short felicitation programme to honour all those who rendered their labour of love. Very Rev Fr Stany Lobo the VG of the diocese, Rev Fr Clary D’Souza the dean of Bidar and good number of priests and religious were present for the occasion. It was delighting to see a large number of parishioners and neighbours witnessing the event joyfully. The whole programme was met

BANDHAVYA – 2022: A day’s retreat was organized for the married couples on 2 January, 2022 at Kristhashram, Kaudiyal. Rev Fr. Roman Pinto of Shimoga diocese was the preacher of the day and animated the retreat. There were 35 couples from different Mission Centres participated in the retreat. It was a beautiful experience for the couples to pray and pray for each other.