Evangelization is top priority for bishop of Gulbarga diocese

Bangalore – Evangelization is the priority of the bishop Robert Miranda of the newly formed Diocese of Gulbarga, Christian Today has confirmed.

On the top of the agenda of the bishop of the new diocese, India’s 150th, is making Christ known in a region where Christians are few.

"We have a vast region with few Catholics, and I recognize my role as a missionary bishop here," Bishop Miranda said. Recently, the Vatican had announced his appointment as bishop of Gulbarga diocese.

The new diocese situated in Karnataka, covers Bidar, Bijapur and Gulbarga districts, which were taken from Hyderabad archdiocese in neighboring Andhra Pradesh state, and Belgaum and Bellary dioceses in Karnataka, respectively.

Bishop–elect Miranda described his new diocesan territory as "the most backward region" in Karnataka and said his priority is to "proclaim the Risen Christ to everyone in this region and make him known here."

The newly appointed bishop said his priorities also include socioeconomic advancement of the local people, who are mostly poor. He plans to achieve this through education, health services and developmental activities.

The diocesan region covers about 38,750 square kilometers and has 6,425 Catholics out of a total population of some 7 million people, according to information compiled by the Vatican.

Bishop Miranda said he would promote interreligious dialogue and ecumenical programs "so as to bring up a good image for the Church in the mainly Hindu–dominated area."