Catechism Teachers Empowered at Training Program in Shirwad

Catechism Teachers Empowered at Training Program in Shirwad

On 8th June 2025, the Catechetical Commission of the Diocese of Karwar, under the leadership of Fr. Cyprian Silva, organized a one-day Catechism Teachers Training Program at Puneet Sadhan, Shirwad. The event brought together 40 catechism teachers from the Kone and Kajubag Deaneries for a day of spiritual growth and skill development.

Fr. Cyprian highlighted the essential “Spirituality of the Catechism Teacher,” reminding participants to be living witnesses of Christ through prayer, love for the Eucharist, and a deep personal relationship with Jesus.

Rev. Fr. Vijay Machado, Executive Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Catechetics, delivered insightful sessions on “The Synodal Approach in Catechism” and “Methods of Teaching Catechism”, encouraging teachers to make catechesis more dialogical, inclusive, and experiential.

Bishop Duming Dias graced the occasion, celebrated the Holy Eucharist, and motivated the catechists to be joyful and committed sowers of faith. In his message, the bishop expressed gratitude for the dedication of catechists and exhorted them to be vibrant instruments in spreading the faith. The program concluded with an open forum, where teachers shared their experiences and clarified doubts. The program concluded with an interactive session and words of gratitude from Fr. Cyprian.

Inauguration of BPKS Extension Centre and Centre for Excellence

Inauguration of BPKS Extension Centre and Centre for Excellence

The Extension Centre of Bala Pragathi Kendra Services (BPKS), along with the Centre for Excellence Career Advancement Program, was inaugurated and blessed by Rt. Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar, in the presence of the staff on 10th June 2025.

This new center aims to promote sponsorship and nurture the talents of children under the Children Sponsorship Program (CSP) and beyond. The bishop emphasized the importance of the staff’s dedication to their roles, urging them to learn and perform diligently within the expected timeframes.

The newly inaugurated center will serve eight talukas across the diocese, while the BPKS Center at Honavar will continue to take of Honavar, Bhatkal, and Kumta talukas. The bishop highlighted the presence of talented children within the CSP who need to be identified, mentored, and guided towards competitive examinations and future success.

Present at the event were BPKS Director Rev. Fr. Gabriel Lopes and the newly appointed staff. Bishop Duming Dias congratulated the director and the team for their commitment to the mission. Rev. Fr. Gabriel Lopes expressed his gratitude and proposed the vote of thanks. 

Bala Pragathi Kendra Services Holds Distribution Program at Prathibhodaya, Honavar

Bala Pragathi Kendra Services Holds Distribution Program at Prathibhodaya, Honavar

On 9th June 2025, Bala Pragathi Kendra services organized a notebook, bag, and umbrella distribution program at Prathibhodaya, Honavar. Rt. Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar, graced the occasion and addressed the gathering. In his message to the parents of sponsored children, the bishop emphasized the importance of accompanying children through the various stages of life, from childhood to adolescence and adulthood, helping them grow into compassionate and responsible individuals.

Sr. Sarita warmly welcomed the participants, and Fr. Gabriel Lopes proposed the vote of thanks. The program concluded with the distribution of school materials to the sponsored children, followed by refreshments served to all the children and their parents. 

ICYM, 29th KRYC Regional Council Meeting

ICYM, 29th KRYC Regional Council Meeting

The 29th Regional Council of the Karnataka Regional Youth Commission (KRYC) was held on 1st June 2025 at Puneeth Sadan, Bishop’s House, Shirwad, Karwar. The event began with a solemn Holy Mass presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar, and concelebrated by Most Rev. Dr. Henry D’Souza, Bishop of Bellary, along with several Diocesan Youth Directors. A total of 80 participants from various dioceses across Karnataka attended the council meeting.

Key discussions included, like, Evaluation of past events: a brief review of youth activities conducted across the dioceses since the last council meeting. Regional Youth Convention Planning: A major highlight of the agenda was the proposal and planning for hosting the upcoming Regional Youth Convention in the Diocese of Karwar. Logistics, themes, tentative dates, and collaborative responsibilities were deliberated in detail. Youth Ministry Challenges: Common pastoral and social challenges faced in youth ministry were shared, and ideas for better engagement, communication, and spiritual nourishment of the youth were exchanged.

The meeting also witnessed a moment of gratitude and transition as Fr. Lourd Raj, the former Regional Youth Director (RYD), was given an honorable send-off for his dedicated service. Fr. Ashwin Cardoza was officially appointed as the new Regional Youth Director and was warmly welcomed by all members present. The sessions throughout the day were marked by active participation, fruitful discussions, and a spirit of collaboration aimed at strengthening youth ministry across the region.  

Bishop’s Pastoral Visit to Our Lady of Milagres Church, Haliyal

Bishop’s Pastoral Visit to Our Lady of Milagres Church, Haliyal

Rt. Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, the Bishop of Karwar, made his pastoral visit to Our Lady of Milagres Church, Haliyal, on the 24th and 25th of May 2025. The bishop was warmly welcomed by the parish priest, along with the religious sisters, parish council members, and all the parishioners in a spirit of joy and faith.

During the two-day visit, Bishop Duming Dias visited four substations and chapels under the parish. He interacted with the faithful in each place, sharing moments of prayer, encouragement, and pastoral guidance. He also visited the local convent and school, meeting the sisters and staff, and appreciating their dedicated service in the fields of education and evangelization.

The bishop visited the cemetery, where he offered prayers for the departed and solemnly blessed the grounds. A special part of his visit included going to the homes of the sick and elderly, where he spent time in prayer and offered his comforting presence and blessings.

One of the highlights of the visit was the solemn celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation. Bishop Duming Dias administered the sacrament to 57 young men and women of the parish, encouraging them to live courageously as witnesses of Christ and active members of the Church.

The pastoral visit was a moment of great grace and spiritual renewal for the parish community. The faithful expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the bishop for his presence, blessings, and encouragement. 

Pastoral Visit of Bishop to St. Sebastian’s Church, Mangalwad

Pastoral Visit of Bishop to St. Sebastian’s Church, Mangalwad

The Catholic community of St. Sebastian’s Church, Mangalwad, experienced a moment of grace and joy during the pastoral visit of Rt. Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, the Bishop of Karwar, on May 17 and 18, 2025. The faithful, along with members of other religious communities, warmly welcomed the bishop, expressing their unity and goodwill.

During his visit, Bishop Duming Dias held meetings with various parish associations and encouraged their continued commitment to the Church’s mission. A significant highlight of the visit was the administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation to 25 young candidates, strengthening them in their faith and commissioning them as mature witnesses of Christ.

The bishop also made a pastoral visit to the local convent, where he met with the religious sisters, appreciating their dedication and service to the parish and the surrounding community. He then proceeded to visit the sick and elderly parishioners in their homes, offering them words of comfort and praying for their healing.

In a solemn moment of remembrance, the bishop visited the parish cemetery, where he offered prayers for the departed souls and blessed the grounds.

This pastoral visit was a time of renewal and encouragement for the entire parish community, deepening their sense of communion with the shepherd of the diocese.