By BIS Correspondent for BIS Mumbai

On the solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, June 12, 2026, the ‘little flock’ of St Joseph Church, Kevadiya village in Banswara congregated to celebrate the blessing of their renovated church, led by Fr Nirmal Baria, Parish Priest of the neighbouring Parish of Saints Peter and Paul, Thikaria, Banswara. This joyous occasion marked a profound reverence to the Almighty God and the Patron of the Universal Church, Saint Joseph, and husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, even as three years ago, his grace Devprasad Ganava, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Udaipur who raised the Kevadiya Mission to a Parish and entrusted it to the Salesians of Don Bosco. Blessing of a renovated church is a sacred, ceremony that formally rededicates the renewed physical space to worship and community fellowship. The Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the modern world Gaudium Et Spes (21) states “For it is the function of the Church, led by the Holy Spirit Who renews and purifies her ceaselessly, to make God the Father and His Incarnate Son present and in a sense visible.”

The artistic transformation of the sanctuary and the new altar from where the Bread of Life will be shared by the congregation communicates aesthetic vision and structural need. Elevation of the images of St Joseph and Mother Mary further enhanced the atmosphere of faith and devotion, being close to the powerful presence of the heavenly hosts.

The celebration began with the faithful gathered outside the church accompanied by the Salesian priests Michael, Renold and Ivan and the distinguished guests Fr Nirmal Baria and Fr William Katara, principal of St Paul’s Senior Sec School, Thikaria. After the prayer of blessing the people proceeded to the church singing joyously and inviting everyone to offer a ‘Thanksgiving Sacrifice.’ The Eucharist was dedicated to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus asking for his mercy and blessings. In his homily, Fr Baria made use of some posters to communicate the message of God’s love manifested through Jesus’ humility, forgiveness, and sacrifice on the cross. During offertory along with the gifts of bread and wine, a flame of a lighted lamp, a crown of thorns and bandages were carried in process the symbolic elements of the Sacred Heart of Jesus wounded for redemption of the world.  

The renovation work, meticulously planned was coordinated under the direction of Fr Michael Bansode. His commitment and dedicated labour which ran into overtime spending many hours in the village and giving a personal touch for painting, setting of lights, sound system, was deeply appreciated. The blessing of the renovated church on the solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a symbolic gesture and the testimony of the unconditional love of God to humanity. It was this love that attracted the community to the church to make the house of God, a place of unity and fraternity to share at the table of the Lord Jesus. Finally, the event concluded with a note of gratitude to Fr Bansode, Fr Baria, Fr Katara, Fr Lemos, collaborators and with a special mention of Mr Mohanlal Dindor and his entire family. This was followed by the community meal.