Grotto Inaugurated by Bishop Duming Dias at St. Theresa Chapel, Kegdal, Ambikanagar

Grotto Inaugurated by Bishop Duming Dias at St. Theresa Chapel, Kegdal, Ambikanagar

A spirit of devotion and joy filled the air at St. Theresa Chapel in Kegdal, Ambikanagar, as Rt. Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar, solemnly inaugurated the newly constructed grotto on May 13, 2025.

The bishop was warmly welcomed by the faithful with a traditional cultural dance, setting a festive tone for the occasion. 6 priests, religious, and lay faithful came together to witness this sacred moment and to participate in the Eucharistic celebration that followed.

In his homily, Bishop Duming Dias reflected on the significance of the Jubilee and the meaning of the Jubilee, encouraging the faithful to deepen their spiritual lives and renew their commitment to the Church.

The celebration was marked by heartfelt participation and a deep sense of community. At the end of the Mass, Fr. James Lopes expressed his gratitude to the bishop for his presence and inspiring message. He also thanked all the priests, religious, and lay people who contributed to the organization and success of the event.

The inauguration of the grotto stands as a symbol of faith and a source of inspiration for the people of Ambikanagar, fostering deeper devotion to Our Lady and strengthening the spiritual life of the local community

Bishop’s Pastoral Visit to Holy Cross Church, Castle Rock

Bishop’s Pastoral Visit to Holy Cross Church, Castle Rock

On 11th May 2025, Holy Cross Church, Castle Rock, had the joy and privilege of welcoming Rt. Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, the Bishop of Karwar, for a pastoral visit. The parish community, led by Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Walter D’Mello, along with the religious sisters and parishioners, warmly received the bishop with a solemn procession.

During his visit, the bishop took time to visit the sick and elderly of the parish, offering them words of comfort and prayers. He also visited the parish cemetery and prayed for the departed souls.

The highlight of the visit was the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided over by the bishop and concelebrated by the parish priest and Fr. Justin Dsouza. In his homily, the bishop encouraged the faithful to deepen their faith and continue building a vibrant Christian community.

The bishop expressed his gratitude to the parish priest, religious sisters, and all the parishioners for the warm welcome and the well-organized liturgy and arrangements. Rev. Fr. Walter D’Mello, in turn, thanked the bishop for his gracious presence and pastoral care and extended his appreciation to all who contributed to making the day a meaningful and memorable one.  

Inauguration of Holy Family Chapel, Hebbail, Kumta

Inauguration of Holy Family Chapel, Hebbail, Kumta

A moment of grace and joy marked the inauguration of the newly constructed Holy Family Chapel at Hebbail on 9th May 2025. The solemn occasion was blessed and inaugurated by Rt. Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar. In his homily during the Holy Mass, the bishop reflected on the sacredness of the church as the House of God, a House of Prayer, and the Door to Heaven—a place where the faithful encounter the divine and find spiritual refuge.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was graced by the major benefactors of the chapel, Advocate Milton Marshal from Goa and Mrs. Melita Simon Bothello, also from Goa, whose generous support made the chapel construction possible.

Following the Eucharistic celebration, a felicitation program was held on the stage to honor and thank the principal donors and contributors. Those felicitated included Adv. Milton Marshal, Mrs. Melita Simon Bothello, Mr. Sundaram of Arasikere, and dedicated parishioners who contributed manual labor during the chapel’s construction. The event was also attended by the local Gram Panchayat president and members, who expressed their appreciation and support.

Mrs. Jane Fernandes skillfully compered the program, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Fr. Wilson Fernandes, expressing heartfelt gratitude to all who made the chapel a reality. The joyous event concluded with a fellowship meal served to all present.

The inauguration of the Holy Family Chapel stands as a testimony to faith, generosity, and the vibrant spirit of the local Catholic community.

Blessing of the New Presbytery at St. Anthony Church, Tarnamakki.

Blessing of the New Presbytery at St. Anthony Church, Tarnamakki.

A moment of great joy and gratitude marked the life of St. Anthony Church as the newly built presbytery was solemnly blessed on 5th May 2025. The blessing ceremony was led by Rt. Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar, in the presence of the faithful, parish council members, religious, and well-wishers of the parish.

The event began with a short prayer service, after which the bishop blessed the new presbytery, invoking God’s protection and guidance upon the priests who will reside and serve the parish from this new house. In his address, the bishop highlighted the importance of the presbytery as not just a residence but a house of service, hospitality, and pastoral mission.

Rev. Fr. Paul Sequeira, the parish priest, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the bishop for his gracious presence and support. He also thanked all the benefactors, parishioners, and workers whose generosity, dedication, and hard work made the construction of the presbytery possible.

The newly blessed presbytery stands as a symbol of faith, commitment, and the vibrant spirit of the St. Anthony Church community. 

Solemn Requiem Mass for Pope Francis at Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral, Karwar

Solemn Requiem Mass for Pope Francis at Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral, Karwar

On 25 April 2025, a solemn Requiem Mass was celebrated at Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral, Karwar, to honor the memory of His Holiness Pope Francis, who peacefully passed away in Rome. The Mass, marked by deep reverence and gratitude for the late pontiff’s life and ministry, drew together a large gathering of priests, religious, and lay faithful.

Eighteen priests concelebrated the Mass, which was presided over by Rev. Fr. Richard Rodrigues, the Vicar General of the Diocese of Karwar. In his homily, Fr. Richard reflected on Pope Francis’ enduring legacy of humility, compassion, and dedication to the Church and humanity.

Rev. Fr. Baptist Gomes, Chancellor of the Diocese, paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Pope, highlighting his tireless efforts for peace, social justice, and care for the marginalized.

The celebration concluded with a symbolic floral offering by all present as a sign of love, respect, and remembrance. The atmosphere was one of solemn mourning and spiritual unity, as the faithful of the Diocese of Karwar joined the Universal Church in praying for the repose of Pope Francis’ soul. 

One-Day Seminar for Missionary Childhood Association Animators held at K.D.D.C. Karwar

One-Day Seminar for Missionary Childhood Association Animators held at K.D.D.C. Karwar

The Diocesan Proclamation and Evangelization Commission, under the leadership of Commission Director Fr. Stewart Fernandes, organized a one-day seminar for the animators of the Missionary Childhood Association (MCA) at the K.D.D.C. building.

The seminar, held on 24th April 2025, saw the enthusiastic participation of around 25 MCA animators from across the diocese. The primary objective of the seminar was to empower and equip the animators with spiritual and pastoral tools necessary for effectively guiding children in their missionary formation.

Fr. Maxim Dias, the regional secretary, served as the resource person for the day Through his insightful sessions, he inspired the participants to foster a deeper missionary spirit among the children entrusted to their care. The sessions included practical inputs and group sharing.  Sr. Margarita, joint secretary of the commission, also attended the seminar.

The event was marked by active participation, meaningful discussions, and a renewed sense of commitment to the mission of evangelizing young hearts. The participants expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to grow in their role as MCA animators. The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks and a prayerful commissioning of the animators to continue their mission with renewed zeal.

Chrism Mass, Episcopal Ordination Anniversary, and Priestly Jubilees Celebrated with Great Solemnity

Chrism Mass, Episcopal Ordination Anniversary, and Priestly Jubilees Celebrated with Great Solemnity

The Diocese of Karwar witnessed a deeply spiritual and joyful celebration on April 9, 2025, at Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral, Kajubag, Karwar, as multiple significant events were marked during the solemn Chrism Mass.

The celebration was graced by Rt. Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar, who also marked his first Episcopal Ordination Anniversary on this blessed day. The Chrism Mass was also a special occasion to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of a few of our beloved priests and the Diocesan Priests’ Jubilee.

A large number of lay faithful from all corners of the diocese gathered in prayerful unity, joining in the solemn Eucharistic celebration. Bishop Duming Dias presided over the Mass, during which the sacred oils—the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of Catechumens, and the Sacred Chrism—were blessed for use in the sacramental life of the Church throughout the year.

In his meaningful homily, Bishop Duming reflected on the sacred duties of a priest, calling each one to be a man of prayer, a servant to all, and a true friend of the poor. His words deeply touched the hearts of the clergy and faithful alike, reminding everyone of the priest’s vocation as one of humble service and Christ-like love.

After the Eucharistic celebration, Bishop Duming and the Silver Jubilarians were felicitated in a simple but meaningful ceremony. The presence and participation of the people, the unity of the presbyterium, and the joyful spirit of the event made it a memorable occasion in the life of the diocese.

Diocese of Karwar Vocation Camp “Prerann Shibir”—Commission for Clergy-Religious.

Diocese of Karwar Vocation Camp “Prerann Shibir”—Commission for Clergy-Religious.

The Diocese of Karwar joyfully organized the “Prerana Camp” on 6th April, 2025, a vibrant and spiritually enriching initiative aimed at inspiring young hearts to explore and respond to God’s call. Held across four different zones—Kone, Honnavar, Sirsi, and Haliyal—the camp brought together a total of 334 enthusiastic children, united in faith and a shared spirit of discovery.

Each location hosted a one-day camp from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM, packed with spiritual nourishment, engaging activities, and meaningful interactions. The camp began with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, centering the day in prayer and thanksgiving. This was followed by an input session, where children were encouraged to reflect on their unique calling and learn about different vocations in the Church.

The presence of Bishop Duming Dias gave motivation to the camp. He encouraged the children in 2 places Kone and Honavar. The camps were blessed by the active involvement of various religious congregations who brought their own charisms and experiences to the children through interactive sessions and personal testimonies. Their presence added depth and inspiration to the program, offering the participants valuable insights into the lives dedicated to service and love.

Throughout the day, the young participants engaged in group activities and animation conducted by ICYM youth, which allowed them to connect more deeply with God and each other. The interactive nature of the sessions helped nurture seeds of vocation, encouraging children to be open to the divine plan in their lives.

The Prerana Vocation Camp 2025 was a resounding success, filled with joy, learning, and spiritual growth. It served as a gentle yet powerful invitation for the children of the Diocese of Karwar to consider the path God is calling them to walk. We thank all the priests, religious, volunteers, the youth, and especially the children who made this camp a truly memorable and grace-filled event. 

Political Awareness Seminar by CADK Empowers the Faithful at Kumta

Political Awareness Seminar by CADK Empowers the Faithful at Kumta

On 6th April 2025, the Catholic Association of the Diocese of Karwar (CADK) organized a political awareness seminar at St. John the Baptist Church Hall, Kumta, bringing together over 230 participants from across the region. The event aimed to awaken a sense of civic responsibility among the laity and encourage active Christian engagement in political and social life.

The seminar was inaugurated by Rt. Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, the Bishop of Karwar, who delivered an inspiring and thought-provoking address. In his keynote speech, the bishop emphasized the need for Catholics to be informed, aware, and proactive in the political sphere. He posed three reflective questions to the gathering: Where are we? What is the challenge of our current political setup? What can we do for the future? Bishop Duming Dias elaborated on each of these questions, encouraging the faithful to evaluate their role in society and to contribute meaningfully towards building a just, inclusive, and value-based political culture.

The program was presided over by Rev. Fr. Lancy Rodrigues, President of the Commission for Laity, who highlighted the importance of educating and empowering the Catholic laity to take leadership in social and political arenas.

Mr. George Fernandes, President of CADK, also addressed the gathering. He encouraged all participants to stay actively involved in civic life and expressed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their enthusiastic participation and support in making the seminar a success

The seminar featured two distinguished speakers Mr. Saver Fernandes and Mr. Rajendra Miranda, both well-known social workers. They shared valuable insights on the current political landscape, challenges faced by the community, and the need for collective action.

As a special addition to the day’s program, prizes were awarded to the winners of the Marian Online Group Singing Competition, which had been conducted earlier

The event also witnessed the presence of several prominent guests and leaders from the diocese, showing strong support for the initiative. The Political Awareness Seminar was a significant step in the diocese’s mission to form conscientious citizens rooted in Gospel values. It served as a call to action for all Catholics to take their rightful place in shaping the future of society through informed and responsible participation in politics.

 

Blessing and Inauguration of St. Michael’s new academic block

Blessing and Inauguration of St. Michael’s new academic block

On 31st March 2025, a momentous occasion unfolded at St. Michael’s as the newly constructed academic block was solemnly blessed by Rt. Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar, and inaugurated by Mother General Sr. Molly Atully CCR. The event was graced by the presence of Provincial Sr. Jane Bavelil, along with the sisters and priests from Kone and Kajubag Deanery.

The day commenced with a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Bishop Duming, concelebrated by eight priests. Following the Eucharistic celebration, the official inauguration ceremony took place, marking a significant milestone for the institution. The newly blessed academic block stands as a testament to the commitment of the school towards academic excellence and holistic formation.

A felicitation program was held to honor all those who contributed to the construction of the new building. The event concluded with a note of gratitude, highlighting the collective effort and dedication that made this project a reality.

May St. Michael’s continue to flourish as a beacon of knowledge and faith, guiding generations of students towards a bright and blessed future.