The Catholic Church in Nepal had a proud moment to cherish the spiritual joy of their brethren in Tipling. Some of its fold received the Sacrament of Confirmation on the highest hill next to Majestic Ganesh Himal. The Catholic faithful of Tipling village have been longing to receive their Apostolic Shepherd for long time among their midst. Their dream to see him, talk to him, listen to him spiritually finally got materialized on 13 July, 2019. The Rt. Rev. Bishop Paul Simick of Nepal Vicariate was approached by the Region Superior, Fr. Amrit to place the request of the faithful to him. The Bishop readily agreed to visit his fold on the mountain. The parish priest, Fr. Ayar was informed about Rev. Bishop’s first landing in Tipling. Fr. Ayar prepared the recipient of Sacrament of Confirmation for about a month teaching and catechizing about what it means to be a Catholic faithful. The day arrived for people for being confirmed in the Holy Spirit when the Bishop Paul made his maiden pastoral visit. He met young and old of his faithful, listened to them and gave them words of hope and encouragement.
After the Nepal Jesuit Social Institute constructed road handing over ceremony, the Eucharistic celebration began around 8:45 in the morning. The youths of the place had come together for singing practices and the priests during mass could see their effort in good singing. With their melodious voices the choir added more devotion to prayers. Many of the faithful had not received the Sacrament of Confirmation. So, it was apt and auspicious day that Bishop offered the Holy Mass and administered the Sacrament to hundred and ten faithful. It was heartwarming to see a huge congregation of faithful praying devoutly. Just before the final blessing, a foundation stone for construction of a multipurpose hall was blessed. After the mass, the members of the church felicitated Rt. Rev. Bishop. They displayed their gratitude to him through songs and dances. Then whole congregation sat with the Bishop for exchange of words.
In the late afternoon, along with the Region Superior and the Socius, the Bishop visited the Catholics of Majjat and Labdung, two small hamlets above Tipling village. They were beaming with happiness to welcome him amidst them. The Bishop prayed with them and blessed them. The Tipling faithful were edified by his coming to Tipling even in the torrential rain when others think otherwise. In the evening he met the local Jesuits: Frs. Mike Parent and Ayar Kujur along with the Region Superior and the Socius in their small cozy residence and listened to them and cheered them for their works. He also told them to be good shepherd like Jesus, compassionate and merciful.
He along with both Region Superior and the Socius returned to Kathmandu next day. They left the place early in the morning and adventurously snaked up and down through Pansang pass by the Toyota pick-up. The driver was wonderful but because the road was brand new, slushy, muddy and unstable caused by heavy rain, many times, a dozer and a tractor had to work like a rescue team to reach the Toyota to Pansang pass. Anyway! By night 9:40 all were home.