CHRISM MASS 2024

The Catholic Diocese of Karwar celebrated the Chrism Mass today, March 21, 2024, at Our Lady of Assumption Church in Kajubag, Karwar. The Chrism Mass is a significant event in the life of the diocese, where the bishop and priests from all corners of the diocese come together to concelebrate Mass.

This ceremony, which symbolizes and renews the unity of the priests with their bishop, involves the consecration of Holy Oils by the bishop. These oils will be used during Easter next week and throughout the year. Thus, it is like a preparation that inaugurates the festivity of Easter, which in turn begins a new liturgical period for the Christians – a period that reminds the Christians of the closeness of God to them in their sufferings, their endeavours and the liturgical moments.

CHRISM MASS 2024

In the olden days, Oil was used as a symbol of strength and healing. Catholic Tradition, believes in the fact that God takes these things, such as oil, from the human and natural realm and gives it a new meaning – in this case spiritual strength and spiritual healing. These elements, through which God acts in the Christian liturgies, have nourished and strengthened the Christian communities for over two thousand years, assuring them of the presence and action of God in their life and history both in good times and in times of adversity.

This was the last Chrism Mass celebrated by Bishop Derek Fernandes, as the diocese of Karwar will now have a new Bishop, Bishop-elect Duming Dias, who will be consecrated Bishop on 9 April 2024. Thus, at his outset, Bishop Fernandes drew attention to the unity and collaboration he enjoyed with the priests and the people of Karwar appreciating the quality of the priests in Karwar. Bishop Fernandes served the Diocese of Karwar for 17 years.

Fr. Simon Tellis, a close collaborator of Bishop Fernandes, expressed his appreciation for the work done by the outgoing bishop. He mentioned how he could be easily approached by all, how he has been close to the people, especially during difficult times, and how he has been a great administrator who continued the legacy of the first bishop of Karwar, Bishop William D’Mello. Reminiscing the qualities of Bishop Fernandes as a good Shepherd Fr. Simon Tellis wished him all the best in all his endeavours.

Divine Elevation: Father Rohan Gonsalves’ Ordination and Chronicles of Life

In a momentous ceremony held today at St. Sebastian’s Church in Upper-Kasarkod, the reverberations of spiritual significance filled the air as Father Rohan Gonsalves was ordained into the priesthood.

Born to Thomas and Mary Gonsalves, Father Rohan is among five siblings – Roshan, Briton, Rayan, and Roycee. His educational odyssey commenced in Upper Kasarkod, where Mazarello Convent and Janatha Vidyalaya Honnavar were foundational to his primary and high school education.

Answering the call to become a diocesan priest after completing his SSLC, Father Rohan enrolled in the Holy Cross Seminary in Shirwad. His academic journey continued at St. Joseph’s College Karwar, culminating in the successful completion of his PUC studies.
Furthering his studies at St. Salvador Church Honnavar for minor seminary studies, Father Rohan pursued a BCOM degree at SDM College. Under the mentorship of Bishop Derek Fernandes, he advanced to St. Joseph’s Seminary for rigorous major seminary studies, encompassing three years of philosophy, four years of theology, and a transformative year of regency at Joida.
Joida became the crucible of his pre-diaconate ministry, shaping his spiritual path. Ordained as a deacon on June 22, 2023, Father Rohan’s diaconate unfolded at St. Joseph’s Church Shirwad.

Today, on February 12, 2024, Bishop Derek Fernandes bestowed the sacred ordination of Father Rohan Gonsalves, marking the culmination of years of preparation and devotion.
Beyond his academic and spiritual pursuits, Father Rohan is a polymath, proficient in over 10 musical instruments, excelling in chess and sports, and achieving recognition in inter-state and state-level Bible quizzes. His attributes of obedience, love, and empathy further define his character.
The Diocese extends heartfelt wishes to Father Rohan, envisioning a priesthood journey marked by success, perpetual companionship with Jesus, and unwavering dedication in serving God’s people.

Rev. Fr. Dharma Bernard

Assistant parish priest (OFM), Mundolli, Bhatkal

Felicitating the Bishop Elect Msgr. Duming Dias from the People of God, Karwar Diocese

Felicitating the Bishop Elect Msgr. Duming Dias from the People of God, Karwar Diocese at Sannidi- Shivamoga on 15th January 2024

In a momentous occasion brimming with joy and celebration, the People of God from the Karwar Diocese gathered at Sannidi-Shivamoga on January 15, 2024, to honor and felicitate Bishop-Elect Msgr. Duming Dias. The event was graced by the presence of Msgr. Simon Tellis from Karwar, who extended warm congratulations and presented a shawl. Additionally, Rev. Fr. Valerian Sequeira presented a bouquet on behalf of Bishop Derek Fernandes, the Apostolic Administrator, and the entire People of God in the Diocese of Karwar.

Various heads of the diocese presented him with beautiful bouquets of flowers, symbolizing their prayers and goodwill for his upcoming responsibilities.

Bishop-elect Msgr. Duming Dias, in his address to the gathering, conveyed that the announcement of his appointment as Bishop of Karwar came as a surprise, but he had ample time to make a thoughtful decision, expressing his happiness. He also urged everyone to join hands with a spirit of collaboration, cooperation, and teamwork to collectively contribute to the growth of the Church in the Karwar Diocese.

Fr. Nirmal Miranda, in a heartfelt gesture, expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to making the event a success.
Adding to the spirit of camaraderie, Fr. Salvador Rodrigues, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Diocese, extended a warm welcome to the attendees and facilitated the smooth flow of the program.

DIOCESE OF KARWAR HAS A NEW BISHOP

His Holiness Pope Francis has appointed Rev. Msgr. Duming Dias of the Clergy of Shivamogga Diocese, presently the Director of Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Sannidhi in Shivamogga, as the Bishop of Karwar.
This provision was made public in Rome on Saturday, 13 January, 2024 at noon, corresponding to 16.30 hrs, Indian Standard Time.
Bishop Elect, Msgr. Duming Dias was born on September 3, 1969 at Honavar to Mr. Ambroz and Mrs. Marceline Dias. He did his Bachelor of Philosophy in St. Pater’s Pontifical Seminary, Bengaluru and the Bachelor of Theology in St. Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore, affiliated to Urbaniana University, Rome. He was ordained a priest for the diocese of Shivamogga on May 6, 1997.

CIVIL EDUCATION:
Academically, he holds: B.A. from Bangalore University (1987-1990), M.A. in English, from Bangalore University (1990-92), B.Ed from Kuvempu University, Shivamogga (1992-1993), M.Ed from KSOU, Mysore (1999-2001) and M.B.A.- Business Administration, from KSOU, Mysore (2009-2011).

PASTORAL MINISTRY

1997-1998: Asst Parish Priest, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shimoga
1998-1999: Asst Parish Priest, St Thomas Church, Davanagere
1999-2002: Parish Priest, St Francis Xavier Church, Kable
2002-2007: Parish Priest, Mary Immaculate Church, New Town, Bhadravathi
2000-2012: Director, Subodha, diocesan Biblical, Catechetical and LiturgicalCommission
2012-2014: Director, Sahodaya, SCC Commission
2012-2014: Diocesan Coordinator of Pastoral Commissions
2014-2021:Associate Director of St.John’s Medical College, Bangalore
2021 till date: Director, Sannidhi, Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Shimoga
2021 till date: Diocesan Coordinator of Pastoral Commissions
2021 till date: Director, Sanjeevana, Family Commission
2023 till date: Land and Building Officer

OTHER ECCLESIASTICAL OFFICES

2000-2014: Member of the Council of Priests
2000-2014: Member of the College of consultors
2006-2011: Secretary, Senate
2002-2014: Secretary, College of Consultors
2021 till date: Member of the Council of Priests (Senate)
2022 till date: Member of the College of Consultors
2022 till date: Secretary, College of ConsultorsThe Bishop Elect, Msgr. Duming Dias has vast pastoral, educational and experience in social field. With this the diocese of Karwar indeed stands to gain. We wish him all the best as the Bishop of Karwar.

Catholic Diocese of Karwar Rings in Christmas and New Year 2024 with Grand Celebration

January 4, 2024, the Catholic Diocese of Karwar, under the auspices of the Catholic Christian Forum, hosted a spectacular “Christmas and New Year Celebration” on Wednesday, January 3, 2024. The festive event took place at 6:15 p.m at Mayur Varma Vedike, Tagore Beach, Karwar, drawing a diverse audience from various communities.

Presided over by Most Rev. Bp. Derek Fernandes, the Bishop of Belgaum, and Apostolic Administrator to the Diocese of Karwar. The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Chief Guest Mr. Manoj Vasant Baadkar, Retired Inspector General, Indian Coast Guard Service. The gathering included numerous priests, religious figures, government officers, and thousands of attendees from different religious backgrounds, coming together to celebrate the joyous occasion.

The program commenced with a warm introduction by Fr. Valerian Sequeira, setting the stage for an evening cultural expression. The atmosphere was filled with the spirit of Christmas as students from St. Michael School led a prayer dance, creating a captivating and spiritual ambiance.

In his Christmas message, Most Rev. Bp. Derek Fernandes emphasized the importance of peace, both in the world and within our hearts. The Bishop’s words resonated with the audience, urging everyone to reflect on the significance of harmony and goodwill.

The chief guest, Mr. Manoj Vasant Baadkar, expressed his appreciation for the valuable contributions of the Christian community. He commended their dedicated service and issued a call to the youth, encouraging them to excel in various fields, with a special emphasis on sports.

Adding to the cultural richness of the event, Our Lady of Assumption Church, Kajubhag, and Our Lady of Piety Church, Kone, presented enchanting cultural items that captivated the audience. Additionally, the students of Ashaniketan Special School performed a heartwarming Christmas tableau, showcasing the inclusive spirit of the celebration.

Fr. Stany Pinto, who served as the Master of the Ceremony, not only orchestrated the proceedings with finesse but also extended warm greetings to all attendees. He concluded the event with a gracious vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to everyone who contributed to making the “Christmas and New Year Celebration” a memorable and joyous occasion.

With open arms, the Catholic Diocese of Karwar welcomed the year 2024, underscoring the unity among people of different faiths and backgrounds. The gathering fostered a sense of communal harmony and shared joy.

Report By, Fr. Salvador Rodrigues

PRO: Diocese of Karwar