Bishop Duming Dias appoints Rev. Fr. Richard Rodrigues as New Vicar General of Karwar Diocese

Bishop Duming Dias appoints Rev. Fr. Richard Rodrigues as New Vicar General of Karwar Diocese

The Karwar Diocese is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Fr. Richard Rodrigues as the new Vicar General of the Diocese. This significant appointment was made by His Excellency, Bishop Duming Dias, in recognition of Fr. Rodrigues’ exemplary service and dedication to the Church.

Rev. Fr. Richard Rodrigues, currently serving as the Rector of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Assumption, has been a pillar of spiritual leadership in the diocese. His deep commitment to the spiritual growth of the faithful, along with his strong administrative skills, has earned him immense respect among the clergy and the laity alike.

Bishop Duming Dias expressed his confidence in Fr. Richard Rodrigues’ ability to fulfill the responsibilities of the Vicar General. “Fr. Richard has demonstrated outstanding pastoral care and leadership in his role as Rector. I am confident that his experience and spiritual wisdom will greatly benefit the entire Diocese in this new capacity.”

In his new role as Vicar General, Rev. Fr. Richard Rodrigues will assist Bishop Duming Dias in the governance of the Diocese, overseeing the pastoral and administrative functions. He will work closely with the clergy, religious, and laity to continue the mission of the Church in the region. With this appointment diocese looks forward to the continued blessings and guidance that Fr. Rodrigues will bring in his new role.  

Karwar Diocesan Priests Annual Retreat 2024 on the Theme “Renewing Our Priesthood.”

Karwar Diocesan Priests Annual Retreat 2024 on the Theme “Renewing Our Priesthood.”

The Annual Retreat for the Priests of the Diocese of Karwar was held from the 4th to the 10th of August 2024 at Puneet Sadan, Shirwad. This year’s retreat was a deeply enriching experience, with a focus on the theme “Renewing our Priesthood.” The retreat was led by the esteemed Fr. Freddy D’Silva,  a well-known Jesuit Priest and Retreat Preacher.

The Retreat commenced on the evening of the 4th of August with a warm welcome extended to all the priests by the Fr. Nirmal Kumar. The opening session included an introduction to the theme and a brief overview of the retreat’s schedule. Fr. Freddy D’Silva set the tone for the week with a powerful introductory reflection on the significance of priesthood and the need for constant renewal in the life of every priest.

Each day of the retreat was marked by a structured schedule that included the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, spiritual conferences, Personal prayer, and time for Reflection. Fr.D’Silva’s sessions were profound and thought-provoking, offering deep insights into the challenges and joys of priestly life. His reflections were rooted in Scripture, Church teachings. 

The daily conferences touched on various aspects of Priesthood, such as the call to holiness, the role of the priest as a shepherd, and the importance of spiritual and pastoral renewal. Fr. D’Silva emphasized the need for priests to cultivate a deep personal relationship with Christ, which in turn would empower them to serve their communities with renewed zeal and compassion. He also addressed contemporary challenges faced by priests and offered practical advice on how to remain faithful to their vocation in a rapidly changing world.

A significant highlight of the Retreat was the Sacrament of Reconciliation, which was offered on the last day. Priests took this opportunity to receive the sacrament, experiencing God’s mercy and grace in a profound way. The Retreat also included time for personal reflection and silence, allowing the priests to meditate on the teachings and to listen to the voice of God in their hearts. The peaceful surroundings of Puneet Sadan provided the perfect setting for this spiritual renewal, away from the busyness of everyday pastoral duties. 

The retreat concluded on the 10th of August with a solemn Mass of Thanksgiving, celebrated by the Bishop of Karwar. After mass small felicitation program was held. vote of thanks was given by Fr. Richard Rodrigues and also Bishop expressed his gratitude to Fr. Freddy D’Silva for his inspiring leadership throughout the retreat. He thanked procurator and kitchen staff and also encouraged the priests to carry the fruits of the retreat into their daily ministry, serving their communities with renewed vigor and dedication.

Overall, the 2024 Karwar Diocesan Priest Retreat was a time of Grace, Reflection, and Renewal. The theme “Renewing our Priesthood” resonated deeply with all the participants, who left the retreat with a renewed sense of purpose and a strengthened commitment to their vocation. The priests expressed their heartfelt thanks to Fr. Freddy D’Silva, SJ, and the organizers for a truly memorable and spiritually uplifting Retreat.

A Heartwarming Homecoming for Bishop Duming Dias

A Heartwarming Homecoming for Bishop Duming Dias

On July 28, 2024, Most Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, the esteemed Bishop of Karwar, celebrated a deeply moving Thanksgiving Holy Mass at his native church, Christ the King Church, Jog Falls. This significant occasion marked his first visit to the church since his episcopal appointment.

The celebration commenced with a warm and heartfelt welcome from the parish community. As Bishop Duming Dias entered the church premises, he was greeted by Fr. Salvador Rodrigues, the parish priest, who presented him with a bouquet of flowers on behalf of all parishioners. The bishop then led the Thanksgiving Holy Eucharist, which was concelebrated by two other priests, creating a profound atmosphere of reverence and gratitude.

Following the Mass, the festivities continued at Jogada Siri Hall, where Bishop Duming Dias was received with music, Aarathi, and a shower of flowers from little children. The students of Krista Jyothi School and Boarding performed an excellent welcome dance, setting the tone for the subsequent stage program.

During the program, the bishop was honored in various touching ways. A wishing cake was cut, his life history was read out, and several individuals shared heartwarming anecdotes from his childhood and early ministry. In an emotional speech, Bishop Duming Dias reminisced about his upbringing in Jog Falls and expressed his gratitude to God for guiding him to his current role as the Bishop of Karwar.

The bishop blessed the gathering and thanked all the parishioners for organizing such a heartfelt program. He assured them of his prayers and humbly requested their continued prayers to help him shoulder his significant responsibilities. Many individuals and groups took the opportunity to honor and wish the bishop, making the occasion even more memorable.

In a special gesture, Bishop Duming Dias honored the newly appointed parish priest, Fr. Salvador Rodrigues, recognizing his contributions to the community. The celebration concluded with a sumptuous meal, enjoyed by over 500 attendees, including parishioners and special dignitaries, who all witnessed this joyous event.  

The Diocesan Catechetical Commission conducted a one-day seminar for all the Catechism teachers at Haliyal Parish.

The Diocesan Catechetical Commission conducted a one-day seminar for all the Catechism teachers at Haliyal Parish.

Sunday 21 2024, Diocesan Catechetical Commission conducted a one-day seminar for all the catechism teachers who are involved in the parish and school catechism. The deanery catechetical team under the leadership of Fr. Felix Lobo the deanery coordinator, the dean and other fathers organized this. The day began with the Holy Eucharist celebrated by Fr. Raymond Fernandes, the dean and then continued with a session on how to go about teaching catechizing effectively and fruitfully.  Fr. Ronald D’Souza beautifully emphasized the importance of role of catechism teachers in nurturing the faith of young minds. He also spoke about the theology and the importance of catechism and the need of it in the faith formation of an individual, parish and Diocese. Fr. Felix then systematically presented the Sacro Sancto Concilium as a preparation towards the Jubilee 2025. This year it is our main thrust to re-read this document to all the people of the diocese.  Generosity of Rev. Fr. Francis Miranda the Parish Priest of Haliyal, besides being an accommodating host of the seminar, was also seen in his generously proving a sumptuous meal. All the three main resource persons moderated the final session to evaluate and all the teachers returned to their destination fully motivated to work.

Karwar Diocese comes together to distribute Food Kits to Flood-Affected Families

Karwar Diocese comes together to distribute Food Kits to Flood-Affected Families

In a remarkable display of leadership and compassion, the Diocese of Karwar, under the guidance of Bishop Duming Dias and the Karwar Diocesan Development Council (KDCC) have spearheaded an initiative to distribute food kits to families devastated by the recent floods. This timely intervention has provided much-needed relief to hundreds of affected households.

Charitable organization Caritas India and well-wisher Mr. George Fernandes showed their generous heart, by which diocese could provide food kits.  Each food kit includes essential items such as rice, pulses, cooking oil, and basic hygiene products, ensuring that families have the necessary supplies to sustain themselves during this challenging period.

Fr. Steven Dsouza, Fr. Silvan Rodrigues Fr. Stewart Fernandes, Fr. Edwin Dsouza and his Parishioners of our Lady of Piety Church Kone Karwar and Volunteers worked tirelessly, braving difficult conditions to reach remote and heavily impacted areas. Their dedication ensured that aid reached those in dire need, providing not only physical sustenance but also emotional support.

Before sending food kits Bishop prayed for the people and appreciated the donors and all those who worked for this project.

Beneficiaries of the food kits have shared their heartfelt appreciation. “We lost everything in the floods. This help means the world to us. It shows that we are not alone.” said one grateful recipient. Another recipient said “We were left with nothing after the floods. This help has given us hope and strength to move forward.”

This initiative has highlighted the power of unity and the profound impact of collective action. As the community looks ahead, the spirit of compassion and solidarity remains strong, offering a beacon of hope in these challenging times.  

13th Death Anniversary Requiem Mass for the soul of Bishop William D’Mello, Presided over by Bishop Duming Dias at Cathedral Church Karwar

13th Death Anniversary Requiem Mass for the soul of Bishop William D’Mello, Presided over by Bishop Duming Dias at Cathedral Church Karwar

Bishop Duming Dias along with Priests, Religious and people of the Cathedral Parish, celebrated the 13th Death Anniversary Requiem mass for the soul of Bishop William Leonardo D’Mello, the First Bishop of the Diocese of Karwar.  Gratefully acknowledging his shadow still being visible in many arenas, he invited the people of God to pray for him.  Fr. Wilson D’Souza the assistant Parish Priest of the Cathedral preached at the mass and thanked the Bishop for presiding over the celebration.

The grave of the Late Bishop was blessed after the mass. Snacks were distributed to all present by Mr. George Fernandes and Family.

Bishop Duming Dias visited flood affected places of Uttara Kannada District

Bishop Duming Dias visited flood affected places of Uttara Kannada District

The monsoon had arrived with a vengeance in the coastal districts of Karwar diocese. Honavar, Kumta, and Karwar itself were accustomed to heavy rains, but this year was different. As the clouds unleashed their fury upon the Western Ghats, the peaceful landscapes transformed into scenes of chaos and devastation.

Residents are struggling as water enters their homes, leaving them unable to step outside. In some villages, especially Gundibala, Hadinbal, Kavoor, Chendia and many other places unexpected volumes of water have left roads and lands completely submerged, making navigation difficult. Rescue efforts are underway, with locals mobilizing boats to bring stranded families to safety.

There are landslides in many of the Karwar Diocese. In place called Shiroor there was a big landslide and 10 people died, some are inside the mud. Rescue work is under process. In some places like Chendia, Karwar, water has entered inside the Church.

There have been rescue centers opened, Churches opened their doors to provide shelter, schools turned into relief centers, and prayers echoed through the hills for those who had lost everything. The scars left by the floodwaters would heal with time, but the bonds forged in adversity would endure, reminding everyone that even in the darkest times, compassion and solidarity could light the way forward.

Bishop Duming Dias visited all the flood affected places along with Fr. Thomas Fernandes and Fr. Wilson Noronha. Also, along with his team doing all efforts to do whatever is possible from the diocese to these affected places.

Seminar for the teachers by Diocesan Commission for Catechetical Apostolate

Seminar for the teachers by Diocesan Commission for Catechetical Apostolate

Diocesan Commission for Catechetical Apostolate in collaboration with liturgical commission organized a one-day seminar for the teachers involved in the catechetical ministry and members who are collaborators of Holy Communion Ministry in Sirsi deanery. 49 members participated. The workshop began with the Sunday Morning Prayer presided over by Fr. Nirmal. Then, various issues connected to both ministries, their importance in the church, need of faith and personal witnessing most necessary for the teaching of Christian Truths were explained. Father also gave few tips for effective teaching, an aid to catechism: Lesson Planning. Rev Fr Valento Fernandes beautifully presented an expose of Sacro Sancto Concilium as Preparation for   the Jubilee 2025, which was well appreciated.

The Dean Very Rev Anacletus D’Mello addressed the participants and admonished them to be good in word and deed in their parishes.

The Diocesan Secretary of the Commission, Rev Nirmal Miranda took over and summed up the need to accept this as a call and Divine mandate. He clarified certain terminologies clarifying their vocation as teacher is participation in the mission of Jesus the Teacher. Fr. Nirmal celebrated the Holy Eucharist and the seminar ended with words of gratitude to Fr. Cyril D’Souza, who took care of all arrangements and generously fed the whole group with sumptuous meal.

ICYM DIOCESE OF KARWAR – DEXCO MEETING

ICYM DIOCESE OF KARWAR – DEXCO MEETING

The Diocesan Dexco team convened with Bishop Duming Dias to kickstart a transformative journey for the upcoming year. The meeting was held at Diocese Pastoral Centre on 10th July 2024. Led by the leadership of Fr. Silvan Rodrigues, the Youth Director, the meeting commenced with a warm introduction of the team with 11 members to Bishop Duming Dias, setting a tone of collaboration and enthusiasm. President Royston extended a heartfelt welcome, emphasizing the youth’s commitment to community service and spiritual growth.

Central to the agenda was the formulation of a comprehensive one-year plan aimed at fostering inclusivity, spiritual development, Strengthening and forming parish units, quality leadership and impactful community engagement. Ideas flowed freely as members discussed initiatives ranging from youth retreats to outreach programs aimed at supporting the needy.

The highlight of the gathering was the felicitation of Bishop Duming Dias, acknowledging his unwavering support and guidance for the youth. The atmosphere was filled with gratitude and hope as Bishop Duming Dias expressed his encouragement for the youth’s dedication to service and faith. He also insisted to work at the grassroot level to reach the young people.

Looking ahead, the Diocesan Dexco team is poised to embark on a transformative journey, driven by their shared values and commitment to making a positive difference in the community. With Bishop Duming Dias’s blessings, they are set to embark on a year of growth, unity, and impactful service, aiming to inspire and uplift all those they encounter. 

Young Clergy Seminar Diocese of Karwar

Young Clergy Seminar Diocese of Karwar

On 9th July 2024, at Puneeth Sadan Shirwad, in the serene setting of the Diocese of Karwar, amidst the rustling palms and gentle sea breeze, a gathering of 40 young priests and 5 deacons eagerly awaited the wisdom and guidance of their esteemed speakers. Rt. Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, welcoming all with warmth and hospitality, set the tone for a seminar that promised deep reflection and spiritual growth.

The keynote speaker, Rt. Rev. Dr. Francis Serrao, Bishop of Shimoga, brought a message that resonated deeply with the young clergy a message rooted in the profound importance of prayer and the transformative power of personal encounters with God. Throughout the seminar, Bishop Serrao emphasized that prayer is not just a ritual but a lifeline, a direct line of communication with God that sustains and strengthens the spirit. And also, he emphasized on the God’s experience in our life.

As the seminar concluded, the young clergy of the Diocese of Karwar departed with hearts full of inspiration and minds enlightened by the shared experiences and teachings of Bishop Serrao. They carried with them a renewed commitment to integrate prayer deeply into their daily lives and ministries, knowing that through prayer, they could continue to nurture and uplift their communities.

Young Clergy Seminar, under the guidance of Rt. Rev. Dr. Duming Dias and enriched by the wisdom of Bishop Francis Serrao, stood as a beacon of hope and renewal, a testament to the enduring power of faith and the transformative potential of prayer in the journey of spiritual leadership.