The Karwar Diocesan Young Clergy Meeting was held on November 3 and 4, 2026, at Puneeth Sadan, Shirwad, Karwar, with the participation of 18 young priests of the Diocese of Karwar. The gathering provided an opportunity for prayer, fellowship, reflection and sharing of experiences related to priestly ministry.
The meeting commenced on November 3 with a Evening prayer and the recitation of the Holy Rosary. The first day’s programme concluded with a fellowship dinner. On November 4, the day began with Morning Prayer, followed by the Holy Eucharist celebrated by Rt. Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar. In his homily, drawing inspiration from the day’s Scripture readings, the bishop highlighted the importance of commitment and dedication in priestly ministry. He encouraged the young priests to be actively involved in their pastoral responsibilities and to follow the example of Jesus, who dedicated His life to serving others.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, the election of the Young Clergy President and Secretary was conducted.Fr. Arun Fernandes was elected as President, and Fr. Cephus Rodrigues was elected as Secretary of the Young Clergy Association.
Subsequently, the bishop led a reflective session, inviting the young priests to reflect on three important questions: What are the moments of joy in our lives? What are our consolations in priestly ministry? What drains our energy in priesthood? The young priests openly shared their personal experiences, joys, challenges and reflections in response to these questions. The session concluded with a special prayer for each priest, invoking God’s blessings and guidance upon their ministry. The session provided an opportunity for mutual understanding, encouragement and spiritual enrichment.
Towards the end of the meeting, the Bishop also highlighted the importance of the Parish Pastoral Plan. He emphasized that proper planning is essential for effective pastoral ministry and encouraged the young priests to set clear goals, identify pastoral priorities and work systematically towards the spiritual growth and development of their respective parishes. He also expressed his gratitude to all the participants for their presence, active involvement and sharing. The meeting strengthened the bonds of fraternity among the young clergy and renewed their commitment to serve the people of God with dedication, joy and the spirit of Christ.
