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. 

Strengthening Bonds and Empowering Families: Marriage Enrichment Programme in Sirsi Deanery

Strengthening Bonds and Empowering Families: Marriage Enrichment Programme in Sirsi Deanery

The Family Commission organized a marriage enrichment programme on August 18th, 2024, at Infant Jesus Church, Agasebagil, in Sirsi Deanery. The event witnessed the active participation of 71 members representing various parishes within the deanery. The programme commenced with the celebration of the Eucharist, presided over by Fr. Sachin Dsouza. This spiritual beginning set the tone for a day of reflection and learning, reinforcing the sacredness of the family unit within the Christian community. Two distinguished resource persons, Mrs. Irene Rebello and Mr. Anil D’Cunna, conducted the sessions. The themes covered were of critical importance to contemporary family life:

Balancing Family Life and Career:  This session addressed the challenges faced by families in managing both professional commitments and familial responsibilities. The discussion highlighted strategies for maintaining a healthy balance, ensuring that neither aspect is compromised.

The Impact of Media on Families: The influence of media on family dynamics was critically examined, with a focus on both its positive and negative effects. Participants were encouraged to reflect on their media consumption and its impact on their relationships and values.

Family as the Domestic Church and the Image of the Holy Trinity: This session delved into the theological understanding of the family as a reflection of the Holy Trinity, emphasizing the importance of openness to life and the role of the family in the larger mission of the Church.

The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their gratitude for the insights gained and the opportunity to strengthen their marital and family bonds. The event not only deepened the faith and commitment of the couples but also strengthened the foundation of family life within the community. This programme highlighted the church’s ongoing dedication to supporting and empowering families, ensuring they thrive as the domestic church in today’s world.  

The Diocesan Commission for Catechetical Apostolate organized a one-day seminar for the teachers involved in the catechetical ministry in the parishes of Kone and Kajubag deaneries.

The Diocesan Commission for Catechetical Apostolate organized a one-day seminar for the teachers involved in the catechetical ministry in the parishes of Kone and Kajubag deaneries.

The Diocesan Commission for Catechetical Apostolate organized a one-day seminar for the teachers involved in the catechetical ministry in the schools and Parishes of Kone and Kajubag deaneries. 83 members participated. The workshop began with the Sunday Eucharist by Very Rev. Fr. Jerome D’Souza, the dean of Kone deanery, who beautifully broke the word of God and gave a message to get their strength from the Eucharist. In preparation for the jubilee celebrations this year, we have taken the four encyclical letters of Vatican II. Already, a lot of it has been done through the Diocesan YouTube channel. Sacrosanctum Concilium has been fully exposed to the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, teachers involved in catechism both in all the parishes and schools, and also to various associations.  Rev. Dr. Stany Pinto beautifully presented an exposé of Sacro Sancto Concilium. He invited the teachers to be bearers of Christ in order to be effective teachers. The EMHC members, too, benefited from these seminars as an aid to their renewal of the mandate.

The Diocesan Secretary of the Commission, Rev. Nirmal Miranda, took over and summed up the need to accept this mission not as an extra burden but as a call, a divine mandate, and a partaker of the mission of Christ.  The secretary of the commission concluded the seminar with words of gratitude, to the speakers and all Parish Priests for sending such a huge number of participants, the DPC staff for all the arrangements. The seminar ended with a sumptuous meal of fellowship.

Celebration of New Beginnings: FSI Sisters Welcomed and House Blessed by Karwar Diocese Bishop

Celebration of New Beginnings: FSI Sisters Welcomed and House Blessed by Karwar Diocese Bishop

On the feast day Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary and Independence Day of India. FSI Sisters were welcomed by the presence of the Karwar Diocese Bishop. Adding to the significance of the day, Superior General Sr. Aniuska Aponte Vargas and General Councilor Sr. Clara Tarazona, who traveled from Spain, were also present to lend their support and share in the celebration. Their presence highlighted the international bond within the FSI congregation and the global commitment to our mission and values. along with them Sr. Alice P.T. Provincial was also present for this Event.

Superior General Sr. Aniuska Aponte Vargas said that she is very happy to start their mission in Karwar diocese as a remembrance of their Golden Jubilee. She thanked bishop for inviting them. She said Reflecting on Mary’s faithful response, “Thy will be done,” we have dedicated ourselves to serving this community with the same spirit of obedience and commitment. As we begin this new chapter, we pray for God’s guidance and the intercession of our Blessed Mother in all our endeavors. May our work here bear fruit for the glory of God and the well-being of His people.

Bishop Duming Dias thanked Superior General and all the sisters of FSI Congregation for the acceptance towards hospital mission in the Diocese. He also emphasized the importance of becoming a multi-tasking individual. He encouraged everyone to strive for excellence across various fields, highlighting that in today’s dynamic world, it is crucial to be versatile and skilled in multiple areas. The bishop’s message resonates with the need for continuous learning and adaptability, urging the faithful to develop a broad range of expertise to serve effectively in their personal and professional lives. He thanked Manager  Fr. Jerome Dsouza,  for his all efforts behind this event to be done and also bishop thanked Fr. Nirmal Miranda and Fr.Ronny Rodrigues for their selfless work in the house. he also performed the house blessing with heartfelt prayers and a warm message of support. His blessing symbolizes a new beginning for the FSI community and underscores the spirit of unity and faith that binds together.

Event was meticulously arranged by  Fr. Nirmal. Welcoming the guest done by Rev. Fr. Richard Rodrigues and vote of thanks was given by Sr. Antony Mary superior of the convent. The event was filled with joy, reflection, and a deep sense of gratitude. The community came together to celebrate this special occasion, marking a new chapter of service and dedication in their new home. FSI sisters will be looking after the Maria Magno Flora Hospital. event ended with sumptuous meal for all those who attended the program.