Karwar Diocesan Executive Members of the Parish, Women’s Meet at Karwar.

Karwar Diocesan Executive Members of the Parish, Women’s Meet at Karwar.

Karwar Diocese women’s commission conducted a one-day program for the executive members of the parish women’s on the 16th of October 2024. More than 220 women participated in the program. Most Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar, encouraged and motivated the women through the SWOT analysis to focus on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, to build up on strengths and opportunities so that weaknesses and threats could be reduced for our all-round empowerment in the Diocese. He felt happy to see so many women leaders emerging in the Diocese; he encouraged the service of the Diocesan women commission secretary, the Deanery sister coordinators and the Diocesan team.

Rev. Fr. Richard Rodrigues, the Vicar General, spoke about the women and their role as we enter into the Jubilee year. And Sr. Mabel explained to the women, ‘Guidelines of the Women Commission.’ Mrs. Victoria Rodrigues shared a few points on Women and law. Mrs. Perpeth Lopes and Mrs. Anita Rodrigues shared their experience of attending National Conference in Jharsuguda, Orissa.

The election for the Diocesan executive team is held, and a new team is formed.  The team which served for the past 2 years was also thanked, as was Fr. Nirmal Kumar, who remained as a strong support and encouragement through the preparation of this program till the completion of the same. The sisters of St. Michael’s convent generously accommodated our program in their hall. We concluded the program with a sumptuous meal.

Seminar for the Annual Renewal of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.

Seminar for the Annual Renewal of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.

The Liturgical Commission of the Diocese of Karwar conducted a one-day seminar for the annual renewal of extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. It was held at Infant Jesus Parish Hall in Prabhat Nagar. The seminar was well attended by 131 participants from various parishes of Bhatkal, Honavar and Kumta deaneries. Fr. Nirmal, the organizer of the seminar and the secretary of the liturgical commission of the diocese, welcomed the participants and began the seminar with a catechesis on how we can pray with the church through the prayer of the church, Then a solemn celebration of the prayer was led by Mr. Epiphanes Fernandes. A catechesis was given on the progress of the Synodal journey by Fr. Nirmal. Mr. Stephan Almeida, an emerging, prolific speaker of the diocese, spoke with experience about “what it means to be an EMHC member and responsibilities attached to this ministry.

This year the diocesan focus was studying all 4 documents of the II Vatican Council Documents, and it was already done through video lectures by Rev. Dr. Anthony Dias, Rev. Dr. Richard Rodrigues, Rev. Dr. Valerian Sequeira, and Rev. Dr. Nathaniel Cruz with Fr. Salvador Rodrigues, Former Director of Communication Centre of the Diocese, with Fr. John Rodrigues, the Rector, Fr. Steven Dsouza, Director of KDDC,and Fr. Stewart Fernandes, the present director of Communication Centre. Fr. Nirmal made a special expose of the Sacrosanctum Concilium at the occasion.

The event ended with a solemn Eucharistic celebration, presided over by the Dean of Honavar Deanery, Rev. Fr. Thomas Fernandes. On behalf of the participants, Mr. Dany Gonsalves thanked the organizer, Fr. Nirmal, for taking all the trouble to arrange this seminar in a closer vicinity, which became convenient for the participants. He had a special word of appreciation for Fr. Gabriel Lopes, the parish priest, for providing all the logistical support. A delicious meal gave a fitting conclusion to the seminar.

Jubilee 2025 Planning Committee Meeting

Jubilee 2025 Planning Committee Meeting

On 9th October 2024, the Jubilee 2025 Planning Committee held a meeting at Puneeth Sadan, Karwar, attended by Bishop Duming Dias, Vicar General Fr. Richard Rodrigues, Judicial Vicar Fr. Valerian Sequeira, Chancelor  Fr. Baptist Gomes, all Deans, Commission Directors, and the CRI President and Secretary. The meeting started with a prayer video led by Fr. Stewart Fernandes, Communication Director, followed by a welcome address from Fr. Richard Rodrigues, Vicar General.

Bishop Duming Dias delivered a keynote speech emphasizing the significance of the jubilee, leading to fruitful discussions on planning and organizing the upcoming celebrations. There was discussion Jubilee on celebration reports of Deanery meetings. Many suggestions were accepted, and a brief plan was made ready. Bishop Duming Dias verbalized the vote of thanks to all those who were present for the meeting. The planning committee meeting was ended with the meal. 

Diocesan Youth Commission Report on Jubilate Deo – Kajubag Deanery Youth Cultural Event

Diocesan Youth Commission Report on Jubilate Deo – Kajubag Deanery Youth Cultural Event

On the 29th of September 2024, the Kajubag Deanery hosted its much-anticipated cultural event, Jubilate Deo, at the Sadashivgad Parish Hall, with the participation of 140 youth. The event was organized under the leadership of Fr. Wilson Dsouza, the Deanery Youth Coordinator, along with the dedicated deanery team.

The day began with an opening session led by Fr. Nirmal Miranda, who spoke on the theme, “Youth are Pilgrims of Hope.” He emphasized the role of the youth in building a hopeful future, inspiring them to embrace their journey with faith and positivity. The second session, led by Fr. Silvan Rodrigues, the Diocesan Youth Director, addressed a critical issue faced by many young people today depression. His talk was not only informative but interactive, featuring activities designed to help the youth understand and cope with mental health challenges.

The program was filled with vibrant activities, including group animation led by the DEXCO team and also sessions that encouraged teamwork and creativity. After lunch, the cultural segment commenced, where each parish presented various performances such as skits, songs, dances, and mono acting, showcasing their talents and promoting a sense of community.

The event was well-attended by deanery priests, who provided support and encouragement throughout the day. Jubilate Deo was a resounding success, blending faith, learning, and culture, leaving a lasting impression on all participants.

Formation & Training Workshop was conducted by SSVP Central Council, Karwar

Formation & Training Workshop was conducted by SSVP Central Council, Karwar

On 22nd Sep 2024, a day formation & training workshop was conducted by SSVP Central Council, Karwar, at St. Anthony School Hall, Sirsi. 5 conferences of Sirsi Deanery have taken place. St. Anthony Parish, Infant Jesus Parish, Don Bosco Parish, Sampkhand Parish, and Manchikari Parish conference executive members had taken part. The event was begun with an opening prayer by Rev. Fr . Sebastian Pinto, Spiritual Director, SSVP. Brother Walter Matris, West Indian Regional Coordinator, spoke on Formation; later, Bro conducted a workshop on handling the account. Rev. Fr. Sebastian Pinto presided over the program and offered the Holy Mass. SSVP Central Council President Mr. Francis A. Fernandes and executive members hosted the event successfully.

leadership Training Program for Deanery Youth Office bearers by Diocesan Youth Commission

leadership Training Program for Deanery Youth Office bearers by Diocesan Youth Commission

A leadership training program for deanery office bearers was held on 22nd September at Holy Rosary Convent, Honavar, from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The event had 53 participants and was inaugurated by Fr. Peter Mendonca, the chief guest.

The sessions were led by Fr. Silvan, the youth director, along with Dexco members. The training included animation, group discussions, interactive sessions, and group activities that encouraged active participation and leadership development. Participants also shared suggestions on improving their roles and responsibilities.

The day concluded with the celebration of the Eucharist, which was presided over by Vicar General Fr. Richard Rodrigues, marking a reflective and spiritual end to the program. The event was a fruitful learning experience, equipping the participants with the necessary skills to lead effectively. 

Marriage Preparation Course at Puneet Sadan, Shirwad, Karwar

Marriage Preparation Course at Puneet Sadan, Shirwad, Karwar

The Marriage Preparation Course was organized by the Diocesan Family Commission at DPC Hall, Shirwad, from September 13th to 15th, 2024, with 33 participants attending the three-day event. The course aimed to provide a thorough understanding of the various dimensions of marriage, both practical and spiritual.

The curriculum included a broad range of topics. Participants delved into the nature of marriage as both a covenant and a sacrament, exploring its sacred significance and divine purpose. The course emphasized the importance of developing intimacy and effective communication skills, key elements for a successful partnership.

Natural family planning and pro-life principles were discussed to help couples understand and navigate family planning responsibly. Financial management within marriage was another crucial topic, providing practical advice on managing family finances. The spirituality of family life was addressed to highlight the deeper spiritual aspects of marriage.

Conflict resolution and reconciliation strategies were also covered, offering tools for managing and overcoming marital disagreements. Participants learned about human anatomy in the context of marital relations, enhancing their understanding of physical aspects of marriage.

The course also included discussions on maintaining healthy relationships with parents and in-laws, the complementarity of men and women according to God’s plan, and the principles of responsible parenthood. Additionally, the implications of canon law on marriage were examined, giving couples insight into the legal and ecclesiastical aspects of their commitment.

Overall, the course aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary for building a strong, enduring, and spiritually fulfilling marriage. The participants found the course very helpful for their future and appreciated the efforts of the commission.

Diocesan Family Commission Organised Training of Trainers (TOT) for the Marriage Preparation Course

Diocesan Family Commission Organised Training of Trainers (TOT) for the Marriage Preparation Course

The Training of Trainers (TOT) for the Marriage Preparation Course was conducted on 1st September 2024 at Puneet Sadan, Karwar. The event was organised by the Diocesan Family Commission, Karwar with the aim of preparing priests and laity to effectively deliver Marriage Preparation Courses within the diocese.

This training was led by Mr. Leslie Arouza, the Director of the Family Commission, Diocese of Udupi. He is well-known for his extensive experience in family counselling and marriage preparation, and his expertise greatly enriched the session.

The TOT consisted of several key sessions, each designed to address different aspects of marriage preparation. He provided an overview of the course content, covering essential topics such as the Spiritual Foundation of Marriage, Communication Skills, Financial Management, Pro-Life, Natural Family Planning, Male and Female Body Constituency and Sexual Love and Responsible Parenthood. The session included demonstrations of interactive teaching techniques to make the course more engaging and relatable for couples preparing for marriage.

Mr. Arouza emphasized the responsibilities and role of a trainer, highlighting the importance of empathy, active listening, and creating a safe space for discussion. An interactive Q&A session allowed participants to clarify doubts and discuss practical challenges they might face while conducting Marriage Preparation Courses. The event concluded with a feedback session where participants shared their thoughts on the training and how they plan to implement the knowledge gained.

The TOT at Puneet Sadan, Karwar, was a significant milestone in enhancing the marriage preparation efforts within the Karwar Diocese. The dedicated trainers, guided by the expert facilitation of Mr. Leslie Arouza, are now well-equipped to support couples as they embark on their marital journey. 

Bishop of Karwar Welcomed and Honored at Krista Jyothi Centre

Bishop of Karwar Welcomed and Honored at Krista Jyothi Centre

On August 25, 2024, a serene evening at the Krista Jyothi Center in Karwar, the faithful gathered for a special event graced by the presence of the Bishop of Karwar. The bishop was warmly welcomed and felicitated by Fr. Stewart Fernandes, the director of the Centre, along with the dedicated committee members.

The evening began with the holy rosary, led by Fr. Stewart and the committee members. After the rosary, the bishop was felicitated. Later, the bishop delivered a profound message to the congregation. He emphasized the importance of becoming a beacon of light in our communities, urging everyone to spread the message of the Lord through their actions and words. The bishop also thanked the director for inviting me, and he thanked all the faithful who were present for the rosary.

Fr. Stewart Fernandes gave a vote of thanks and expressed the gratitude of the people who made this event memorable. Cake and cod drinks were distributed to all those who were present. The bishop’s visit was a moment of spiritual renewal and inspiration, leaving a lasting impression on all who were present.

The Central Committee of St. Vincent de Paul met the Bishop of Karwar.

The Central Committee of St. Vincent de Paul met the Bishop of Karwar.

The central committee of SVP met Bishop Most Rev. Duming Dias on August 26, 2024, at Puneeth Sadan. Two members of the regional team were present. Invoking the Holy Spirit, the bishop initiated the proceedings. He asked the unit to brief him about the existence and functioning of SVP in the diocese.  

Mr. Samson D’Souza elaborately explained to the bishop that SVP has existed ever since Karwar was part of the Goa Diocese, then Belgaum, and now 50 years of Karwar. Yet it hasn’t clicked to that extent. Therefore, the bishop promised his full support and blessings and requested that the president, Mr. Francis Fernandes, make the units active at the grass-roots level and find committed and dedicated leaders.   Very soon, there will be 3 seminars and training sessions in different zones to revitalize SVP in the diocese.