kristaprabha_admin, Author at Diocese Of Karwar

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

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

On 8^th 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

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 10^th 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

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

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.