Redemptoris Mater Seminary inaugurated its new academic year.

Redemptoris Mater Seminary inaugurated its new academic year.

The Redemptoris Mater Seminary in Bangalore witnessed a momentous and grace-filled event presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar, marking a significant milestone in the life of the seminary community.

On June 26, 2025, the seminary inaugurated its new academic year, 2025–2026, with a solemn celebration of the Holy Eucharist at 5:30 PM in the seminary chapel. Bishop Duming Dias, as the main celebrant, delivered a powerful homily urging the seminarians to grow in holiness, discipline, and missionary zeal. He reminded them that priestly formation is not merely an academic endeavor but a transformative journey of inner conversion and joyful fidelity to Christ and His Church.

The Mass was concelebrated by the formators and attended by seminarians and friends of the seminary. The atmosphere was deeply spiritual and filled with gratitude, prayer, and renewed commitment to the priestly vocation.

This significant celebration not only marked the beginning of a new academic year but also reaffirmed the seminary’s mission to form holy and zealous priests for the Church and the world. 

 Catechism Teachers Training at St. Anthony Church, Sirsi

 Catechism Teachers Training at St. Anthony Church, Sirsi

The Catechetical Commission of the Diocese, under the able leadership of Rev. Fr. Cyprian Silva, organized a Catechism Teachers Training Program on Sunday, 29th June 2025, at St. Anthony Church, Sirsi. The event brought together 25 dedicated catechism teachers, including religious sisters, representing 7 parishes of the Sirsi Deanery.

The day began with a warm welcome by Fr. Cyprian Silva, who opened the first session by affirming that “Faith is the foundation of Christian life.” He highlighted the vital role of catechists in nurturing children’s faith and offered practical guidance on teaching the truths of the faith in ways that inspire daily Christian living. Fr. Cyprian also reflected on the spirituality of catechists, encouraging them to deepen their own faith and become authentic Gospel witnesses. Emphasizing that catechism is not merely an academic subject but a lifelong mission, he called for forming Christ-centered individuals rooted in the Word of God

The training day was made spiritually enriching through the celebration of the solemn Eucharist on the feast of Saints Peter and Paul. In his homily, Fr. Cyprian encouraged all catechists to be bold and faithful proclaimers of Christ, just like the two great apostles and pillars of the Church. He reminded them that teaching the faith is a sacred calling and a vital ministry in the life of the Church.

The event was graced by the presence of Rev. Fr. Cyril Dsouza, Parish Priest of St. Anthony Church, Sirsi, and the Assistant Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Valento Fernandes, who offered their encouragement and support to all the participants. We remain grateful to St. Anthony Church and the parish priest for bearing the expenses of the day. The teachers expressed their gratitude for updating them with in-depth knowledge about the Catechism of the Catholic Church and different teaching skills to make catechism class creative and lively.

The training concluded with a renewed sense of commitment among the catechists to be rooted in faith and serve as instruments of transformation in their parishes.

Inauguration of the Journey of the Regional Youth Cross

Inauguration of the Journey of the Regional Youth Cross

The solemn inauguration of the journey of the Regional Youth Cross took place on 29th June 2025 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Mundalli, at Bhatkal Deanery. The event marked a significant moment of spiritual awakening and youth collaboration.

The Cross was ceremoniously handed over to Bhatkal Deanery by Rev. Fr. Silvan, the Youth Director, along with the Diocesan Executive Committee (DEXCO) members. A prayerful procession of the cross followed, drawing the faithful together in reverence and devotion as it was brought to the church premises.

The event was presided over by Dean Fr. Lawrence, who led the assembly in prayer and reflection. The lighting of the traditional lamp added a solemn and celebratory touch to the occasion, symbolizing the light of Christ carried through the youth.

A meaningful prayer service was conducted by the parish youth, focusing on the significance of the Cross in the lives of the young faithful. Their active participation was a testimony to the vibrant faith life of the deanery’s youth.

The event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of around 75 youth and 60 parishioners, along with the gracious presence of several nuns from across the deanery, whose support and prayers added to the spiritual depth of the gathering.

At the conclusion of the program, Deanery Youth Coordinator Fr. Viliet expressed heartfelt thanks to all those who contributed to the success of the event. Parish Priest Fr. Prem D’Souza also extended his gratitude, especially to the youth who turned out in good numbers and showed exemplary enthusiasm.

Pastoral Plan Implementation Committee Meeting held at Puneeth Sadan Shirwad

Pastoral Plan Implementation Committee Meeting held at Puneeth Sadan Shirwad

The Pastoral Plan Implementation Committee of the Diocese convened a key meeting on Thursday, 19th June 2025, at Puneeth Sadan, Shirwad. The session began with a prayer led by Fr. Cyprian Silva, Director of the Diocesan Pastoral Centre, and a welcome address by Fr. Baptist Gomes, Chancellor of the Diocese. The meeting was graced by the presence of Most Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, Fr. Anil Prasad, Regional Director, Vicar General, Chancellor, Deans, Commission Directors, Secretaries, CRI members,  

Fr. Richard Rodrigues, Diocesan Commission Coordinator, highlighted the importance of systematic pastoral planning. Bishop Duming Dias, in his message, stressed the need for unity, pastoral zeal, and collaboration aligned with regional and national pastoral visions.

Fr. Anil Prasad underlined the significance of pastoral planning in line with the Church’s vision, introducing the 7th Revised Karnataka Regional Pastoral Plan (2025–2028) and the CCBI’s national plan, Mission 2033: Journeying Towards a Synodal Church. He emphasized the four essential stages: planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, while encouraging networking for effective ministry.

Commission directors presented reports of past activities and proposed upcoming plans for July–September 2025. Bishop Duming Dias commended their efforts and urged consistent documentation and a collaborative spirit.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by Fr. Benjamin D’Souza, a group photograph, and fellowship over lunch. 

Catechism Teachers Empowered at Kumta Deanery Training Program

Catechism Teachers Empowered at Kumta Deanery Training Program

The Catechetical Commission of Kumta Deanery, under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Cyprian Silva, successfully conducted a one-day Catechism Teachers Training Program on Sunday, 15th June 2025, at Nirmal School, Kumta. The program gathered over 40 catechism teachers, including several religious sisters, representing 12 parishes across the deanery.

The training commenced with a heartfelt welcome by Fr. Cyprian Silva, who set the tone for the day with an insightful session on the “Spirituality of the Catechism Teacher.” In his second session, Fr. Cyprian emphasized the vital role of catechism teachers in the Church and provided practical guidance on what to teach and how to teach children effectively. He reminded the participants that catechesis is more than teaching doctrines; it is about forming faithful disciples who live their Christian calling in daily life.

The program was enriched by Fr. Santosh Lopes, Parish Priest of St. Vincent Pallotti Church, Kadle, who inspired the teachers with his talk on the “Importance of Catechism in Our Faith Journey.” He encouraged the catechists to view their ministry as a sacred mission in the transmission of faith, particularly amidst the challenges of the modern world.

A spiritually uplifting Eucharistic Celebration was presided over by Fr. Cyprian and concelebrated by Fr. Mark. In his homily, Fr. Mark offered a profound reflection on the Holy Trinity, focusing on love and unity as essential values. He urged the catechists to become true witnesses of God’s love in their families and communities, while also addressing and clarifying common misconceptions about the Trinity.

Fr. Basteo graced the event with his presence and offered encouraging words to the teachers, further motivating them in their mission. Fr. Cyprian extended sincere thanks to the Superior and the St. John the Baptist Convent (CSST) Sisters for their generous hospitality and support in hosting the program. He also appreciated the priests of the deanery for encouraging the participation of teachers and conveyed special gratitude to Rt. Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar, for his continuous support and encouragement in promoting faith formation across the diocese. 

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.