The Diocese of Karwar organised a two-day Bible Convention for the Haliyal and Sirsi Deaneries on 16 and 17 October 2026 at the Holy Rosary Church Ground, Yellapur. The convention was held as part of the spiritual preparation for the Golden Jubilee of the Diocese of Karwar in 2027, with the aim of deepening the faith of the people and renewing their spiritual lives through the Word of God, prayer, worship, and the Holy Eucharist.

The prayer sessions and spiritual animation were led by Bro. Prakash D’Souza and his team from Mumbai, while Fr. Cyril Lobo from Udupi served as the preacher. The programme included praise and worship, the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, Eucharistic adoration, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, offering the faithful an opportunity for spiritual renewal, healing, and a deeper encounter with Jesus Christ. The convention was conducted from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on both days.

On the first day, 16 October, Rt. Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar, presided over the Eucharistic celebration. Around twenty priests from the Haliyal and Sirsi Deaneries participated in the convention, joining the faithful in prayer and extending their pastoral support. On the second day, 17 October, Rev. Dr. Richard Rodrigues, Vicar General of the Diocese of Karwar, presided over the Holy Eucharist. The Eucharistic celebrations strengthened the participants in their faith and encouraged them to live as committed disciples of Christ.

The convention was organised under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Ronald D’Souza, Dean of Haliyal Deanery, and Rev. Fr. Roystan Gonsalves, Parish Priest of Yellapur. They received valuable support from the priests of Yellapur Zone, particularly Fr. Simon Siddi, Assistant Parish Priest, Br. Joyston Cutinho, and Catechist Juje Anthon. The organising team also included Rev. Fr. Philip Roque Hunshetikop, Rev. Fr. Michael Pinto of Kirwatti, Rev. Fr. Anthon D’Souza of Kodse, and Rev. Fr. Rony Rodrigues of Manchikeri.

Various committees were formed to ensure the smooth conduct of the convention, taking responsibility for the stage, logistics, finance, hospitality, programme, food, liturgy, parking, and seating arrangements. The coordinated efforts of the clergy and the faithful ensured that the entire programme was conducted in an orderly and prayerful atmosphere.

The parishioners of Yellapur, Kirwatti, Kodse, and Hunshetikop extended wholehearted support through their generous contributions, voluntary service, and hospitality. Special appreciation was expressed to Rev. Fr. Joachim Monteiro, Spiritual Director of the Diocesan Charismatic Team, and Rev. Fr. Cyprian Silva, Director of the Diocesan Pastoral Centre (DPC), for their valuable assistance and support.

The two-day convention was a spiritually enriching experience for the faithful, providing them with an opportunity to listen to the Word of God, participate in the Eucharist, experience the power of prayer, and renew their relationship with the Lord. It also strengthened the unity between the Haliyal and Sirsi Deaneries and fostered a spirit of communion, collaboration, and shared responsibility among priests, religious, lay faithful, and diocesan pastoral teams.