On October 7, 2025, during the solemn installation ceremony of Most Rev. Dr. Francis Serrao SJ as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Mysore, His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, made a special announcement appointing Most Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, Bishop of the Diocese of Karwar, as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Shimoga with immediate effect.
Bishop Duming Dias, currently serving as the Bishop of Karwar, brings with him a wealth of pastoral, academic, and administrative experience. He was appointed Bishop of Karwar on January 13, 2024, and his episcopal consecration and installation took place on April 9, 2024.
Born on September 3, 1969, in Honnavar to Mr. Ambrose and Mrs. Marceline Dias, Bishop Duming pursued his priestly formation at St Peter’s Pontifical Seminary, Bengaluru, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, and at St. Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in theology affiliated with the Pontifical Urbaniana University, Rome. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Shimoga on May 6, 1997.
Bishop Duming is known for his keen interest in education and formation. He holds several academic degrees: B.A. from Bangalore University (1987–1990), M.A. in English from Bangalore University (1990–1992), B.Ed. from Kuvempu University, Shivamogga (1992–1993), M.Ed. from KSOU, Mysuru (1999–2001), MBA in Business Administration from KSOU, Mysuru (2009–2011).
Since his ordination, Bishop Duming has served the Church in various capacities: 1997–1998: Assistant Parish Priest, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shimoga,1998–1999: Assistant 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 Liturgical Commission) 2012–2014: Director, Sahodaya (SCC Commission) and Diocesan Coordinator of Pastoral Commissions; 2021–2024: Director, Sannidhi (Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Shimoga); Director, Sanjeevana (Family Commission); and Land and Building Officer.
Bishop Duming has also contributed to diocesan governance through several important offices: 2000–2014: Member, Council of Priests; Member and Secretary, College of Consultors; Secretary, Senate; 2021–2024: Member, Council of Priests (Senate); 2022–2024: Member and Secretary, College of Consultors
Bishop Duming Dias is admired for his simplicity, pastoral zeal, and commitment to the spiritual and integral growth of the faithful. As he assumes this new responsibility as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Shimoga, the faithful of Karwar and Shimoga dioceses join together in prayer for God’s continued blessings upon his ministry.
