St. Peter’s Students Engage in Pastoral Exposure Programme in KGF Deanery in Bangalore

Bangalore, September 29, 2025 – Fifty-one Pastoral students from St. Peter’s Pontifical Institute recently completed a three-day pastoral exposure programme in the KGF Deanery of the Archdiocese of Bangalore. The initiative, part of their four-month pastoral course, was coordinated by Fr. Gilbert, dean of the KGF Deanery, along with local priests and assistants.

Hosted at SDB ITI by Fr. Praveenth and the Salesian community, the students were immersed in the region’s pastoral and social realities. The programme included sessions on serving as pastors after the heart of Jesus, and briefings on the history, culture, and daily challenges faced by local communities, including health, education, employment, housing, and environmental concerns.

Students were divided into seven groups to conduct house visits across local parishes, meeting hundreds of families and hearing personal stories of faith, resilience, and interfaith harmony. Daily reflections on these visits offered students insights into pastoral care and compassionate service.

The programme also featured group presentations on regional history, faith, education, living conditions, and social challenges, alongside a session by Dr. Rajan Babu on KGF’s mining heritage. Sacred sites, including Mary, Mother of Mines, local churches, and the National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM), were also visited.

The exposure concluded with a prayer service, during which students dedicated their personal pastoral plans before the “Living Light,” committing to serve communities with love. Students expressed gratitude to Fr. Gilbert, the KGF priests, programme coordinators, and St. Peter’s Pontifical Institute for facilitating the experience.

By Dn. Prem Kumar

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