Bhalki: A wave of devotion and celebration swept through Bhalki as His Excellency Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, the Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, made his first-ever visit to the Infant Jesus Shrine, a renowned pilgrimage center in the Bidar Deanery of the Diocese of Gulbarga. The visit, marked by faith, festivity, and spiritual renewal, was a momentous day in the history of the local Church.
The Nuncio’s arrival was met with a colorful and reverent bike rally, organized by the faithful of Bhalki. Starting from Shivaji Chowk, the rally filled the streets with hymns of praise and vibrant displays of devotion as participants waved flags and sang joyfully in anticipation of the papal envoy’s visit. The festive procession concluded at the Shrine, where hundreds of faithful, priests, and religious awaited his arrival.
As Archbishop Girelli entered the Shrine, he paused for a moment of silent adoration before the statue of the Infant Jesus, symbolizing the humility and simplicity of Christ’s love. “The Infant Jesus blesses us as we draw closer to Him in faith,” he told the congregation, imparting his Apostolic Blessing upon the gathered faithful.
The day’s highlight was the solemn celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio and concelebrated by Bishop Robert Miranda of Gulbarga along with priests from across the Bidar Deanery. In his homily, Archbishop Girelli reflected deeply on the Beatitudes, describing them as “the heart of Christian life and the path that leads every believer to holiness.”
He urged the faithful to embrace the Gospel with courage, joy, and authenticity, noting that true discipleship often involves sacrifice. “The Beatitudes are not mere words they are a roadmap for the Christian journey,” he said. “Blessed are those who live them daily, for they radiate the joy of Christ in the world.”
Following the Eucharistic celebration, a felicitation ceremony was held in honor of the Apostolic Nuncio. Bishop Miranda, priests, and representatives of the faithful expressed their heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency for gracing the diocese with his presence. In a symbolic gesture, Archbishop Girelli hoisted the Bhalki Jathra flag, officially inaugurating the annual Shrine Feast (Jathrostava) one of the most awaited spiritual events in the region.
The moment was met with resounding applause and prayerful chants as the faithful looked on with pride and devotion, marking the start of days of celebration, reflection, and thanksgiving.
Later in the day, Archbishop Girelli traveled to Bhajolga village to visit the Holy Rosary Chapel, where he met the local faithful engaged in catechetical and faith formation activities. Addressing the gathered community, he shared a heartfelt reflection: “Jesus was born in a humble hut and lived joyfully among the poor. He feels more at home in this small, faith-filled chapel than in grand cathedrals. Faith grows where hearts are humble and open to God.”
Encouraging the men of the village to take active roles in liturgical life and community faith programs, he reminded them, “Walk together in faith, as brothers on the journey to heaven.” His warm greeting, “Jai Christ!”, delivered in the local style, was met with smiles, cheers, and heartfelt joy.
The following day, November 2, Archbishop Girelli continued his pastoral journey to the Mother of Divine Grace Cathedral in Kalaburagi, where he met with clergy, religious, and lay representatives of the diocese. His visit brought encouragement and renewed enthusiasm to the local Church, reinforcing the message of unity, simplicity, and joy in living the Gospel.
For the Diocese of Gulbarga, the Apostolic Nuncio’s visit to Bhalki and beyond will be remembered as a milestone of grace and communion, a reminder that the universal Church walks closely with every faithful heart from humble chapels to great cathedrals under the tender gaze of Christ, the Infant King.