The Diocesan Commission for Liturgy, under the direction of Rev. Fr. Cyprian Silva, organized a two-day Renewal Program for the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHCs) of the Haliyal and Sirsi Deaneries on 11th and 12th July 2026 at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre. A total of 65 Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion participated in the renewal program,

The participants benefited from a series of spiritually enriching and informative sessions on the identity and mission of EMHCs, the family life of EMHCs, Eucharistic theology, and the meaning and significance of the different parts of the Holy Mass. The program also included Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, providing the participants with an opportunity for spiritual renewal and a deeper encounter with Christ.

The sessions were conducted by Rev. Fr. Gabriel Monis, Rev. Fr. Sachin D’Souza, Rev. Fr. Valento Fernandes, Rev. Fr. Thomas D’Souza, and Rev. Fr. Cyprian Silva. Through their inspiring presentations, they encouraged the participants to carry out their ministry with greater faith, reverence, and dedication.

The Holy Eucharist was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Valento Fernandes. In his homily, he invited the participants to receive the Word of God with open hearts, prepare themselves to welcome the Lord, and bear abundant fruit in their personal lives and ministry through faithful Christian living.

The boarding and catering arrangements throughout the two-day program were efficiently coordinated by Rev. Fr. Intru Pinto, ensuring the comfort and well-being of all the participants.

At the conclusion of the program, the participants expressed their sincere appreciation for the excellent organization, well-planned schedule, enriching sessions, and warm hospitality. They shared that the renewal program had strengthened both their spiritual lives and their understanding of the sacred ministry entrusted to them.

In his vote of thanks, Rev. Fr. Cyprian Silva, Director of the Diocesan Commission for Liturgy, expressed his sincere gratitude to Rt. Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar, for his constant support and encouragement. He thanked the parish priests of the Haliyal and Sirsi Deaneries for sending their EMHCs, the resource persons for their valuable sessions, Rev. Fr. Intru Pinto and the staff of the Diocesan Pastoral Centre, especially Ms. Steffi, for their dedicated service, and all the participants for their wholehearted cooperation. He encouraged the Extraordinary Ministers to continue serving the Eucharistic Lord with faith, humility, and joyful commitment.

The renewal program concluded on a note of gratitude and renewed enthusiasm, inspiring the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to continue their ministry with deeper devotion, reverence, and a renewed commitment to the Eucharist.