Youth of Kumta Deanery Gather for “Novo Spiritus,” A Day of Renewal and Celebration

Youth of Kumta Deanery Gather for “Novo Spiritus,” A Day of Renewal and Celebration

On 8th December 2024, Kumta Deanery organized a one-day youth gathering named “Novo Spiritus” at St. John the Baptist Church Hall Kumta. The event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 120 youth from various parishes across the deanery.There were 5 priests present for the inauguration program. The youth of Head Bandar Parish set the tone for the day with a soulful prayer song, singing the Jubilee anthem.

Fr. Rohan Gonsalves explained the significance behind the name Novo Spiritus (“New Spirit”), emphasizing the need for spiritual renewal. The inauguration was marked by an innovative gesture of attaching green leaves to a dried tree, symbolizing the rejuvenation of life through a renewed spirit.Fr. Chrysostom Rodrigues highlighted the importance of prayer in youth life. Fr. Cyprian Silva spoke about the pivotal role of youth in society and the Church.Fr. Rohan Gonsalves encouraged the youth to strive for excellence in their personal and professional lives. Fr. Silvan Rodrigues, who spoke about the role and significance of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) in empowering youth and fostering leadership within the Church.

The diocesan DEXCO team, led by Royston Dias, conducted an engaging animation session, which energized the participants. All the participants were given a meal, which was blessed by Fr. Antony Rodrigues, Dean of Kumta deanery.

Marriage Preparation Course at Puneeth Sadan Empowers 26 Participants for a Stronger Future

Marriage Preparation Course at Puneeth Sadan Empowers 26 Participants for a Stronger Future

The three-day residential Marriage Preparation Course, held from 6th to 8th December 2024 at Puneeth Sadan, Shirwad, concluded successfully, with 26 participants gaining valuable insights into the spiritual and practical dimensions of married life.The course covered a vast syllabus with interactive sessions, open discussions, and hands-on activities, creating a supportive environment for participants to reflect on and prepare for their journey into marriage.

Participants expressed their appreciation for the course, particularly highlighting the practical advice and guidance offered by the resource team. Many described it as a transformative experience, equipping them with the tools to navigate challenges and build a strong foundation for their marital life in the future.

The course was concluded with a certificate ceremony, and the family commission expressed its dedication to conduct the marriage preparation courses in the future.

 

Confirmation Sacrament at St. Joseph Church, Mirjan, Kumta.

Confirmation Sacrament at St. Joseph Church, Mirjan, Kumta.

The 1st Sunday of Advent wasn’t only a beginning of the new liturgical year, but it also made an indelible mark in the history of St. Joseph Church, Mirjan, as 30 children were confirmed by Rt. Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar.

The day began with the arrival of the bishop at the convent and with the melodious singing and band by the Kumta Band, which geared up the procession and later the Eucharist celebration. There were 6 priests present.

The bishop, in his homily, urged the confirmands to live their lives in accordance with the teachings of the Church and to be witnesses of Christ’s love in the world. The bishop, after preaching, confirmed the children.

After the confirmation at a stage program, the bishop was honored with a shawl and the garland. A statue of the patron saint St. Joseph was presented to the bishop as he had visited his flock for the first time. In his address, he appreciated the event organized in a systematic manner. The choir was exceptionally good and about a thousand people witnessed the beautiful and meaningful liturgy conducted by the confirmation students.

All the invitees and the hosts were offered afternoon lunch prepared and sponsored by the 30 candidates’ parents. A large magnificent gigantic altar and the shamiyan welcomed the gathering. All those who attended the program and the liturgy expressed their joy at a meaningful and successful event. 

St. Francis Xavier Feast Celebrated at Diocesan Shrine, Chandavar

St. Francis Xavier Feast Celebrated at Diocesan Shrine, Chandavar

The Feast of St. Francis Xavier was celebrated with great fervor and devotion at the Diocesan Shrine in Chandavar on December 3rd  2024. The solemn celebration was presided over by Rt. Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar.

The celebration began with a grand procession, followed by the Holy Mass, which saw the participation of 42 priests and a large gathering of faithful from across the diocese. Bishop Duming Dias, in his homily, highlighted the missionary zeal and unwavering faith of St. Francis Xavier, urging the congregation to emulate his spirit of evangelization and commitment to Christ. Also, he called the faithful to live out their faith with courage and commitment, just as the saint did.

The choir added a spiritual ambiance to the celebration with their melodious hymns. Following the Mass, a felicitation program was held for Bishop Duming Dias. The parish community expressed their gratitude and appreciation for his dedicated leadership and tireless service to the Diocese of Karwar. The bishop, in his response, thanked the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Faustine Furtado, and the assistant parish priest, Rev. Fr. Wilson Pinto; the bishop also thanked the faithful for their active participation.

The event saw the participation of numerous priests, religious, and lay faithful from across the diocese, making it a memorable celebration of faith and unity. The Feast of St. Francis Xavier at the Chandavar Shrine remains a beacon of inspiration, drawing pilgrims and devotees closer to Christ through the intercession of this great missionary saint.

Sacrament of Confirmation in Yedoga Parish

Sacrament of Confirmation in Yedoga Parish

On November 25, 2024, at 6:00 pm, Yedoga Parish celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation, with 21 children receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit through the hands of Rt. Rev. Dr. Duming Dias. The celebration was attended by seven priests from the deanery, lending their support to this sacred occasion.

The parish priest, Rev. Fr. Urban Santosh Fernandes, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the parishioners for their cooperation and dedication in organizing the event. The celebration was a deeply meaningful moment, strengthening the faith of the parish community and leaving an indelible mark on the spiritual lives of the confirmation candidates.

The event boosted the vibrant faith and unity of the Yedoga Parish, marking November 25, 2024, as a day of immense spiritual significance.

The Blessing of the Foundation Stone for the Chapel at Handli, Yedoga Parish

The Blessing of the Foundation Stone for the Chapel at Handli, Yedoga Parish

On November 25, 2024, at 5:00 pm, the foundation stone for the Chapel at Handli, part of Yedoga Parish, was blessed in a solemn ceremony presided over by Rt. Rev. Dr. Duming Dias. The parish priest, Rev. Fr. Urban Santosh Fernandes, along with the dean, Fr. Raymond Fernandes, and priests Fr. Natividade Rodrigues and Fr. Wilson Noronha, witnessed the occasion with their presence.

The event witnessed an enthusiastic gathering of about 75 people, including several local non-Catholics, who joined in the celebration, reflecting the spirit of unity and joy in the community. The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the spiritual journey of the parish, filling the faithful with gratitude and hope. 

Confirmation Sacrament at Our Lady of Assumption Church, Kajubag

Confirmation Sacrament at Our Lady of Assumption Church, Kajubag

On 24th 2024, Our Lady of Assumption Church in Kajubag witnessed a sacred and joyous occasion as 119 candidates received the Sacrament of Confirmation. There were 5 priests present for the eucharist. Before the celebration, the bishop was brought in procession. The ceremony, filled with reverence and spiritual significance, was presided over by Bishop Duming Dias, who imparted the Holy Spirit upon the confirmands.

The candidates, ranging in age and backgrounds, eagerly approached the altar, preparing to embrace the grace of this important sacrament. Throughout the service, Bishop Dias offered words of wisdom and encouragement, urging the confirmands to live their lives in accordance with the teachings of the Church and to be witnesses of Christ’s love in the world.

As the candidates were anointed with sacred chrism and received the gift of the Holy Spirit, the atmosphere was filled with hope and renewal. The congregation was reminded of the power of the Holy Spirit to strengthen believers in their mission to serve others and spread the message of Christ’s love.

Rev. Fr. Richard Rodrigues thanked everyone who made this day memorable. The celebration was a moment of reflection and joy for both the confirmands and their families, who gathered in the church to support their loved ones on this important milestone in their faith journey. The event was a testament to the enduring faith and devotion of the community at Our Lady of Assumption Church.

Confirmation Sacrament at Our Lady of Rosary Church, Yellapur

Confirmation Sacrament at Our Lady of Rosary Church, Yellapur

On 25th 2024, Our Lady of Rosary Church in Yellapur was filled with joy and reverence as 81 candidates received the Sacrament of Confirmation. The sacred ceremony was presided over by Bishop Duming Dias, who administered the sacrament and imparted the gifts of the Holy Spirit to the confirmands. There were 4 priests present.

The candidates, representing a diverse group from the parish, gathered with their families and friends to celebrate this significant milestone in their spiritual journey. As the candidates stood before the altar, Bishop Dias offered words of wisdom, emphasizing the importance of living out their faith with courage, integrity, and love for others.

The solemn rite of confirmation, which includes the anointing with sacred chrism, was a powerful moment of connection with the Holy Spirit. The bishop encouraged the newly confirmed to become active witnesses of Christ’s teachings, and to carry the light of faith into the world, spreading love, hope, and service in their communities.

The atmosphere at Our Lady of Rosary Church was one of profound faith and unity, as the congregation prayed together for the spiritual growth and strength of the confirmands. The event was not only a significant moment for the candidates but also a time of renewal for the entire parish community, as they reflected on the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the call to live a life of discipleship.

Marriage Preparation Course held at Puneet Sadan, Shirwad.

Marriage Preparation Course held at Puneet Sadan, Shirwad.

A three-day Residential Marriage Preparation Course (MPC), held from 22nd to 24th November, 2024, at Puneet Sadan, Shirwad, successfully concluded with 33 participants. The primary focus of the course was to help the participants understand and appreciate the richness of marriage in accordance with the teachings of the Church.

Rt. Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, bishop of Karwar, met the participants and shared valuable guidelines on how to lead a joyful and fulfilling married life. This session saw the addition of two new resource persons to the resource team of the Family Commission, enhancing the course with fresh insights. Participants engaged in interactive sessions and discussions, praising the practical advice and supportive environment.

Organizers emphasized the importance of such courses in fostering strong, healthy relationships and encouraged the participants to stay connected with the commission for future guidance and support in their married lives. The course concluded with a certificate ceremony.

St. Joseph the Worker Church, Ambewadi, Celebrates Silver Jubilee.

St. Joseph the Worker Church, Ambewadi, Celebrates Silver Jubilee.

On 20th November 2024, St. Joseph the Worker Church in Ambewadi marked a momentous occasion as it celebrated its Silver Jubilee with a grand and joyous event. The celebration, commemorating 25 years of spiritual growth and community service, was presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Bishop Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar.

The Silver Jubilee Mass was a solemn yet uplifting occasion, with the congregation coming together to reflect on the blessings, challenges, and milestones of the past 25 years. The Church, which has been a beacon of faith for the local community, has grown from strength to strength under the leadership of dedicated clergy and the active participation of parishioners.

Bishop Duming Dias, in his homily, highlighted the importance of faith, unity, and service to the community. He expressed his joy and gratitude for the church’s continued role in nurturing spiritual growth and its outreach to the people of Ambewadi.

The event was attended by 42 priests and around 1000 faithful, local dignitaries, all coming together to honor the church’s journey of 25 years. The celebration was filled with heartfelt prayers, hymns, and moments of fellowship, creating a sense of gratitude and hope for the future.

The Silver Jubilee celebration also included a special felicitation ceremony for the long-standing contributors to the church’s mission. As the St. Joseph the Worker Church continues its journey of faith and service, the Silver Jubilee served as a reminder of God’s grace and the importance of community in fostering a spirit of love and devotion.