Bishop Duming Dias Appointed as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Shimoga

Bishop Duming Dias Appointed as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Shimoga

On October 7, 2025, during the solemn installation ceremony of Most Rev. Dr. Francis Serrao SJ as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Mysore, His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, made a special announcement appointing Most Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, Bishop of the Diocese of Karwar, as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Shimoga with immediate effect.

Bishop Duming Dias, currently serving as the Bishop of Karwar, brings with him a wealth of pastoral, academic, and administrative experience. He was appointed Bishop of Karwar on January 13, 2024, and his episcopal consecration and installation took place on April 9, 2024.

Born on September 3, 1969, in Honnavar to Mr. Ambrose and Mrs. Marceline Dias, Bishop Duming pursued his priestly formation at St Peter’s Pontifical Seminary, Bengaluru, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, and at St. Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in theology affiliated with the Pontifical Urbaniana University, Rome. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Shimoga on May 6, 1997.

Bishop Duming is known for his keen interest in education and formation. He holds several academic degrees:  B.A. from Bangalore University (1987–1990),  M.A. in English from Bangalore University (1990–1992), B.Ed. from Kuvempu University, Shivamogga (1992–1993), M.Ed. from KSOU, Mysuru (1999–2001), MBA in Business Administration from KSOU, Mysuru (2009–2011).

Since his ordination, Bishop Duming has served the Church in various capacities: 1997–1998: Assistant Parish Priest, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shimoga,1998–1999: Assistant Parish Priest, St Thomas Church, Davanagere, 1999–2002: Parish Priest, St Francis Xavier Church, Kable, 2002–2007: Parish Priest, Mary Immaculate Church, New Town, Bhadravathi, 2000–2012: Director, Subodha (Diocesan Biblical, Catechetical and Liturgical Commission) 2012–2014: Director, Sahodaya (SCC Commission) and Diocesan Coordinator of Pastoral Commissions; 2021–2024: Director, Sannidhi (Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Shimoga); Director, Sanjeevana (Family Commission); and Land and Building Officer.

Bishop Duming has also contributed to diocesan governance through several important offices: 2000–2014: Member, Council of Priests; Member and Secretary, College of Consultors; Secretary, Senate; 2021–2024: Member, Council of Priests (Senate); 2022–2024: Member and Secretary, College of Consultors

Bishop Duming Dias is admired for his simplicity, pastoral zeal, and commitment to the spiritual and integral growth of the faithful. As he assumes this new responsibility as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Shimoga, the faithful of Karwar and Shimoga dioceses join together in prayer for God’s continued blessings upon his ministry.  

13th Regional Youth Convention 2025 & 40 Years Ruby Jubilee: A Spirit-Filled Celebration of Faith and Fellowship

13th Regional Youth Convention 2025 & 40 Years Ruby Jubilee: A Spirit-Filled Celebration of Faith and Fellowship

The 13th Regional Youth Convention (RYC) 2025 was held from 2nd to 5th October 2025 at St. Joseph’s Ground, Kajubhag, Karwar, hosted by the Diocese of Karwar under the dynamic leadership of Rt. Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar. This year’s convention held special significance as it marked the 40 Years Ruby Jubilee of the Regional Youth Commission, celebrating four decades of faith formation and empowerment among the youth.

The convention witnessed the participation of over 1100 enthusiastic young people, along with many Diocesan Youth Directors (DYDs), religious sisters, and other distinguished delegates from across the region. Their active involvement made the event a truly enriching and faith-filled experience. The entire program was systematically organized, with various committees working diligently to ensure its smooth and prayerful execution.

Each day of the convention began with a Eucharistic Celebration in a different rite, beautifully showcasing the rich liturgical diversity of the Catholic Church. These celebrations — Latin, Syro-Malabar, and Syro-Malankara — deepened the youth’s appreciation for the unity and universality of the Church.

Throughout the four days, participants were inspired by renowned resource persons who delivered impactful talks and conducted interactive sessions on themes such as youth identity, empowerment, leadership, and Christian witness in today’s world. Their sessions were highly appreciated for their depth, practicality, and spiritual insight.

A major highlight of the final day was the Peace Rally, during which hundreds of youth marched joyfully, bearing messages of peace, unity, and hope. The convention concluded with a solemn Eucharistic Celebration, presided over by Most Rev. Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore, and concelebrated by five bishops and many priests from various dioceses.

During the event, youth awards were presented to recognize outstanding contributions, leadership, and commitment among the young people of the region.

The 13th Regional Youth Convention and 40 Years Ruby Jubilee will remain a remarkable milestone in the history of the Karwar Diocese—a celebration of youthful enthusiasm, unwavering faith, and the Church’s enduring mission to accompany its youth towards a deeper relationship with Christ.  

 

13th Regional Youth Convention – Day 1

13th Regional Youth Convention – Day 1

The 13th Regional Youth Convention began with great enthusiasm and devotion. The first day’s events commenced with the blessing and inauguration of the youth stalls by Most Rev. Henry D’Souza, Chairman of the Regional Youth Commission. Bishop Duming Dias, bishop of Karwar, also visited the stalls. This was followed by the solemn flag hoisting, led by Most Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar, together with Bishop Henry D’Souza and other dignitaries. A colorful procession of youth participants then moved towards the convention venue, setting the tone for the day’s celebrations.

The highlight of the day was the Inaugural Eucharistic Celebration, presided over by Bishop Duming Dias. The homily was delivered by Bishop Henry D’Souza, who inspired the young people with his words of faith and encouragement. Around 40 priests concelebrated the Holy Mass, adding to the solemnity of the occasion.

Following the Eucharist, the official inauguration of the Regional Youth Convention (RYC) took place in the presence of several dignitaries. The stage program featured words of encouragement, recognition of contributions, and the distribution of awards to deserving participants, and there were also some dances.

The first day of the 13th RYC concluded on a high note, filled with faith, fellowship, and youthful joy. 

Career Guidance Program for Xth Class Students

Career Guidance Program for Xth Class Students

The Diocesan Education Commission (KDES), in collaboration with the BPKS, organized a Career Guidance Program for Xth Class students to help them discern future career opportunities with clarity and confidence.

A total of 57 participants from 12 parishes of the diocese took part in this program. The sessions were led by Mr. Nelson Cordero from Bangalore, who spoke on a wide range of topics, including careers in Government (Civil Services and Beyond), Careers in PSUs (Public Sector Undertakings), Global Careers and Higher Studies Abroad, Careers in the Private Sector, entrepreneurship, and start-ups.

Mr. Cordero guided the students on the skills and preparations needed for each career path while also encouraging them to be ambitious, hardworking, and values-driven. In addition to the informative sessions, the program also featured action songs and a talent show, which encouraged children to showcase their gifts and boosted their confidence.

Rt. Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar, addressed the students and shared his valuable insights, motivating them to dream big while remaining rooted in faith and values.

The smooth conduct of the program was ensured with the support of Fr. Gabriel Lopes and Fr. Sachin D’Souza, whose efforts contributed to the success of the event.

The Career Guidance Program proved to be a meaningful and enlightening initiative, equipping young students with knowledge and direction as they prepare for their future. 

A four-day Neocatechumenal Way meeting was held at Shirwad, Karwar.

A four-day Neocatechumenal Way meeting was held at Shirwad, Karwar.

The Neocatechumenal Way meeting was held at Puneeth Sadan, Shirwad, Karwar, from 25th to 28th September 2025. A total of 31 participants, mostly young people from Honnavar, Sirsi, and Dandeli, gathered for this faith-filled experience. The program was led by dedicated facilitators including Catechist Celine Fernandes, Bro. Powell, and Fr. Peter Siddi, along with regional catechists William and Dulcin Machado from Honnavar and Prakash and Stella Fernandes from Sirsi.

Throughout the four days, participants were guided on a journey of deepening their faith and entering more fully into adult Christian life through the spirituality of the Neocatechumenal Way. The sessions combined teachings, prayer, and moments of reflection, helping the young participants to discover the richness of their baptismal call and the importance of living as authentic witnesses in the Church.

The meeting concluded with a powerful Eucharistic celebration and prayer service led by Fr. Thomas Fernandes on the final day. This moment of grace strengthened the faith of the participants and encouraged them to live with renewed zeal as disciples of Christ. The enriching experience fostered spiritual growth, strengthened bonds of community, and inspired a deeper commitment to their faith and mission in the Church. 

Three-Day Marriage Preparation Course at Puneeth Sadan, Shirwad

Three-Day Marriage Preparation Course at Puneeth Sadan, Shirwad

The three-day Marriage Preparation Course was held at Puneeth Sadan, Shirwad, Karwar, from 19th to 21st September 2025. The program was organized to help young couples prepare for the sacrament of marriage, deepening their understanding of the duties, responsibilities, and challenges of Christian family life.

A total of 83 participants took part in the course. Experienced resource persons led sessions on a variety of themes, including the meaning of the sacrament of marriage, conflict and reconciliation, pro-life and the holiness of the body, communication and intimacy, canon law, responsible parenthood, financial management, and spirituality in family life. Group discussions, personal sharing, and interactive activities such as skits enriched the learning experience.

Alongside the sessions, the program was strengthened by spiritual activities such as the Prayer of the Church, Eucharistic celebrations, Adoration, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, making the course both intellectually enriching and spiritually uplifting.

A special highlight of the program was the address by our Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, who encouraged the participants to embrace marriage as a divine vocation rooted in love, faith, and service. His inspiring words motivated the couples-to-be to build their future families on strong Christian foundations.

At the conclusion of the course, many participants expressed their gratitude, acknowledging how the sessions and spiritual activities had helped them prepare spiritually, emotionally, and practically for their married life.

The September 2025 Marriage Preparation Course at Puneeth Sadan was truly a time of grace, reflection, and renewal, guiding young couples to begin their vocation of marriage with faith, hope, and joy. 

 

Three-Day Retreat for Diocesan Full-Time Catechists

Three-Day Retreat for Diocesan Full-Time Catechists

The Diocesan Commission for Faith Formation organized a three-day retreat for the diocesan full-time catechists from 15th to 17th September 2025 at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, Karwar. The retreat was directed by Rev. Fr. Cyprian Silva, Commission Director, and attended by four catechists who dedicated themselves to moments of prayer, reflection, and renewal.

The sessions were preached by Rev. Fr. Wilson Dsouza, Assistant Parish Priest of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Assumption, who guided the participants through various enriching themes such as “Our Participation in the Eucharist,” “Prayer,” “Mission,” and “Our Faith Journey.” The retreat days were marked by silence, spiritual sharing, and a deepening of faith, offering the catechists a meaningful experience of God’s presence.

The participants expressed their joy and gratitude, stating that the retreat was truly a time of faith enrichment and spiritual strengthening for their ministry.

Fr. Cyprian Silva, who meticulously organized the program, thanked Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Duming Dias for his constant encouragement and support and expressed appreciation to Fr. Wilson Dsouza for his inspiring preaching and reflections.

The retreat concluded with heartfelt thanksgiving to God for His abundant blessings upon the catechists and their mission in the diocese.

PFC Seminar for Kumta, Honnavar and Bhatkal Deaneries at Prathibhodaya, Honnavar

PFC Seminar for Kumta, Honnavar and Bhatkal Deaneries at Prathibhodaya, Honnavar

The Diocesan Laity Commission conducted the Parish Finance Committee (PFC) seminar for the deaneries of Kumta, Honnavar, and Bhatkal, which was held at Prathibhodaya, Honnavar, on 21st September 2025. The program began with breakfast and registration, followed by a prayer service.

The first session was conducted by Fr. Lancy Rodrigues, who spoke on “The Role of the Laity in the Church.” Drawing insights from the Old and New Testaments and the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, particularly Lumen Gentium and Apostolicam Actuositatem, he emphasized the importance of lay leadership as a significant contribution to the mission of the Church.

The second session was led by Fr. Gabriel Lopes, who addressed “Financial Administration of the Parish.” He highlighted the importance of collaboration between clergy and laity in financial matters and stressed the need for parishes to move towards greater self-reliance.

After the sessions, a vote of thanks was proposed, followed by a group photo session. The gathering then participated in the Holy Eucharist presided over by Fr. Sebastian Fernandes. In his homily, he underlined the role of the laity in witnessing to Christ through sincerity, humility, and sharing in the lives of others.

The seminar concluded with a fellowship lunch, leaving the participants enriched with deeper knowledge and renewed commitment to parish life.

Pastoral Visit of Bishop Duming Dias to Holy Family Church, Joida

Pastoral Visit of Bishop Duming Dias to Holy Family Church, Joida

The pastoral visit of Most Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar, to Holy Family Church, Joida, was held on 20th and 21st September 2025. The parish priest, Fr. Stephen D’Souza, together with the faithful, warmly welcomed the Bishop in a solemn procession. Fr. Nathaniel Cruz, resident of St. Paul Chapel, Kumbarwada, and Fr. Intru Pinto, Procurator of the Diocese, were also present.

The visit commenced with a fraternal interaction at Holy Family School, where the Bishop met the staff and students, encouraging them in faith and education. He then visited the Fathima Sisters community and extended his pastoral closeness. The Bishop also visited the sub-stations of Bapoli, Chapkand, and Kumbharwada, administered Holy Communion to the sick, celebrated liturgy in the Ward, and led a prayer service at the cemetery for the faithful departed.

On Sunday, 21st September, the day began with Morning Prayer and Adoration, followed by the solemn celebration of the Holy Eucharist. After Mass, the Bishop held meetings with the parish associations, offering valuable guidance for their mission. He also made pastoral visits to families who had distanced themselves from the Church, inviting them back to the fold. Later, he interacted with local political and religious leaders, fostering bonds of mutual respect and cooperation.

In his message, Bishop Duming Dias emphasized the importance of union with the Holy Mother Church and encouraged all the faithful to work towards growth in both spiritual and social life.

The pastoral visit was marked by prayer, fraternity, and encouragement, greatly strengthening the faith and unity of the parish community of Joida.  

 

PFC Seminar held at Yellapur for Sirsi and Haliyal Deaneries

PFC Seminar held at Yellapur for Sirsi and Haliyal Deaneries

The Parish Finance Committee (PFC) seminar for the Sirsi and Haliyal deaneries was held at Holy Rosary Church, Yellapur, on 14th September. The program began with a prayer led by Fr. Simon Fernandes, Assistant Parish Priest of Yellapur.

Fr. Raymond Fernandes, Dean of Haliyal Deanery, welcomed the participants with a brief introduction, after which the session opened with a talk by Fr. Lancy Rodrigues, Diocesan Laity Commission Secretary. Fr. Lancy explained the meaning and mission of the Laity, tracing its biblical roots from the Old and New Testaments and highlighting the teachings of Vatican II. He emphasized the vital role of the laity in today’s Church and society.

The second session was led by Fr. Ronny Rodrigues, who spoke on the financial administration of the parish. Drawing on his experience as a former diocesan procurator, he stressed the importance of close collaboration between the laity and parish priests in managing parish finances for growth and development, free from personal interests.

The seminar concluded with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Fr. Raymond Fernandes. Preaching on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, he drew connections between the PFC’s responsibilities and the call to carry the Cross with faith. The event came to a close with a group photo session and fellowship meal.