Diocese of Mangalore Launches Pastoral Plan 3.0 for a Synodal Journey

Mangaluru, July 24, 2026:The Diocese of Mangalore has officially launched its Diocesan Pastoral Plan 3.0 (2026–2028), outlining a comprehensive three-year roadmap to strengthen the Church's pastoral mission under the theme "A Synodal Journey."

Three-Year Roadmap Unveiled

The plan was inaugurated by Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha of Mangalore, during the Council of Priests meeting held on 23 July 2026 at the Bishop's House Hall in Kodialbail, Mangaluru.

The new pastoral plan is designed to guide the diocesan, deanery and parish communities over the next three years, with a strong emphasis on spiritual renewal, collaborative leadership and active participation of the laity.

Renewing the Church's Mission

Addressing the gathering, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha highlighted the importance of synodality as a way of "walking together" in faith. He encouraged priests to work closely with religious and lay faithful in responding to contemporary pastoral and social challenges through shared responsibility and renewed missionary zeal.

The Pastoral Plan 3.0 provides an integrated framework for all 22 diocesan pastoral commissions, offering coordinated direction for the Church's educational, charitable and social outreach programmes across the Diocese of Mangalore.

Building on a Strong Foundation

The launch was attended by diocesan leaders, including Fr. Maxim L. Noronha, Vicar General, and Fr. Victor George D'Souza, Chancellor. The occasion also recognised the contributions of former Pastoral Commissions Coordinators, Fr Joseph Martis and Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, whose leadership laid the foundation for the earlier pastoral plans.

The newly appointed Coordinator of the Diocesan Pastoral Commissions, Fr Naveen Pinto, presented the key priorities and implementation strategy for the 2026–2028 period. He expressed gratitude to the secretaries of all 22 commissions for their dedicated work in preparing detailed action plans and acknowledged the valuable efforts of his predecessors.

The Council of Priests concluded with a collective commitment from the clergy to implement the new pastoral plan across every parish and deanery, reaffirming the Diocese's mission to build vibrant faith communities through collaboration, service and the spirit of synodality.

By Catholic Connect Reporter