The Catholic diocese of Karwar had been waiting for the nomination of it new bishop since four and half years. On 13th January 2024, Pope Francis nominated Rev Msgr. Duming Dias from the diocese of Shimoga as Bishop of Karwar. His episcopal consecration took take place on 9, April 20224 at St. Josephs high school Kajubag, Karwar. This event marks a significant milestone in the spiritual journey of the Catholics in Karwar and sets a stage for the next chapter in the Diocese’s rich historical tapestry.
Rt. Rev. Duming Dias is a son of the soil and was born in 1969, in Karwar district, but soon migrated to Shimoga with his parents a young boy. He grew up in Shivamoga. And joined the seminary in 1986. He was ordained a priest for the diocese of Shimoga in 1997 after having completed his ecclesiastical studies (B .Ph and B. Th) and also BA (BU), MA (BU), B. Ed (Kuvempu Univ). He did not stop with studies with the ordination. After his ordination he continued to dedicate himself to studies whenever possible and thus obtained and M.Ed. in 2001 and an MBA in 2011. As a priest he has held many offices in various fields. He has been assistant parish priest in two parishes and parish priest in two parishes from 1997-2007. He has been principal of a school and PU college from 2002-2014. His carreer in the field of education took a significant turn when he was appointed associated director of St. John’s Medical college Bengaluru from 2014-2022. When he was appointed Bishop of Karwar he was serving as the director of the pastoral center at Shivmogga diocese.
As the Diocese of Karwar embarks on a new chapter under the leadership of Bishop Duming Dias, the faithful stand united in prayer, eagerly waiting for the fruits of his pastoral ministry and the blessings that lie ahead.
Bishop Derek Fernandes was born on May 14, 1954, and ordained priest on May 5, 1979. He was appointed bishop of Karwar on Feb. 24, 2007, and was ordained on April 20, 2007. He succeeded bishop emeritus Bishop William Leonard D’Mello who was the first bishop of Karwar from the inception of the diocese in 1976.
Pope Francis has appointed His Excellency Most Rev. Derek Fernandes (64), as the new Bishop of Belgaum on 1 May, 2019. And he is appointed as the apostolic administrator by the papal nuncio to india.
Bishop William D’Mello was born on March 24, 1931, at Cascia, Mangalore as third of six children born to Joseph and Santana D’Mello. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1957, On January 24, 1976, at 44 years of age, D’Mello was appointed Bishop of the newly-erected Diocese of Karwar by Pope Paul VI. His episcopal consecration took place only on April 29, 1977. Bishop D’Mello submitted his resignation upon reaching the age of 75 as required by the 1983 Code of Canon Law and in February 2007, Pope Benedict XVI accepted his resignation and appointed Bshop Derek Fernandes as his successor. In retirement, he lived at the ‘Sandhya Vandan’ and died on July 19, 2011, at the age of 80 and was buried in the Diocese of Karwar’s Cathedral of the Assumption.
Being the first Bishop of Karwar, had laboured relentlessly for the all round development of the newly established diocese comprising of the civil district of Uttara Kannada. He gave an identity to the Catholic Christian Community of the district and during the 30 years of his tenure, strived for their all-round development in the spiritual, social, educational and economical spheres. His concern and service extended to all people without consideration of caste and creed. His memory will endure for ever. May His immortal soul rest in eternal peace of heavenly bliss.