Bathinda Deanery Celebrates Day of Faith, Fellowship and Evangelization in Sirsa
The Bathinda Deanery Day 2026 was celebrated with faith, joy and missionary enthusiasm on Sunday, 4 October, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Sirsa, together with the parish feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary.
The celebration brought together priests, religious, catechists and faithful from across the deanery in a spirit of communion and fellowship.
The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Rev. Fr. Maria Selvadhas, Vicar General in the presence of the Father Provincial of the Society of Pilar, Delhi Province, the Dean, parish priests, religious sisters, catechists and a large gathering of faithful.
The active participation of the Laity Commission, Maryam Sena, Masih Yuva Trust, ICYM Youth and catechists added vibrancy and enthusiasm to the celebration.
Spiritual Preparation
The Deanery Day was preceded by a nine-day Novena celebrated throughout the deanery. Families unable to travel to the deanery centre were encouraged to pray the Novena and Rosary and read the Bible in their homes. Members of Masih Yuva Trust, Maryam Sena and ICYM Youth supported families in this spiritual preparation.
A significant number of faithful (1100 plus) from the various parishes of the Bathinda Deanery, accompanied by their respective Parish Priests and Religious, participated in the Deanery feast.
Before the main programme, the Deanery Evangelization Team conducted a Satsang and healing prayer. A special catechetical reflection on Mother Mary and her importance in Christian life was also given. The faithful were further introduced to the vision and pastoral plan of the Diocese of Simla-Chandigarh.
Celebrating Unity and the Word of God
During the Holy Mass, the Deanery Flag and parish flags were brought in procession and solemnly blessed before being handed over to the respective parish priests. It was decided that this meaningful practice would become an annual tradition of Bathinda Deanery Day, symbolising the unity and shared mission of the parishes.
A major highlight was the inauguration of “365 Days with the Bible,” an initiative of the Deanery Evangelization Commission.
The programme was inaugurated by the Father Provincial and the Vicar General of the Diocese and distributed among the parishes to encourage families to engage with the Word of God throughout the year.
Joyful Fellowship
The celebration carried the atmosphere of a grand feast and mela, with the faithful participating with great joy and enthusiasm.
A delicious langar, generously sponsored by a family, was served to all.
At the conclusion, Fr. Maria Das, Vicar General on behalf of Most Rev. Dr. Sahaya Thatheus Thomas, Bishop of Simla-Chandigarh, conveyed his greetings and blessings to the Dean, priests, religious, catechists and faithful.
Fr. Ivo Dias, Dean of Bathinda Deanery, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed their time, service and resources towards the success of the celebration.
The programme concluded with group photographs and fellowship over the meal.
Renewed Spirit of Mission
The Bathinda Deanery Day 2026 became a memorable celebration of faith, unity, evangelization and fellowship. It strengthened the bonds among the parishes and renewed the missionary spirit of the faithful, encouraging families to continue in prayer, Bible reading, faith formation and evangelization.
The joyful participation of the faithful showed that the celebration was truly a moment of grace and renewed enthusiasm for the entire deanery.
May Our Lady of the Holy Rosary continue to guide and bless all the families and communities of Bathinda Deanery.
Bro. David Masih, SFX
Evangelization Commission
Bathinda Deanery
