The Karwar Diocesan Commission for Ecumenism, in collaboration with the United Christian Forum organized a Prayer Meet on 22 July 2026 at Puneeth Sadan, Shirwad, under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Edwin Paul D’Souza, President of the United Christian Forum. 20 participants were present.
The programme was graced by the presence of Rt. Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar. The gathering commenced with a prayer service led by Rev. Fr. Valento Fernandes, invoking God’s blessings upon the participants and the mission of Christian unity. Rev. Fr. Richard Rodrigues welcomed the gathering, after which Rev. Fr. Edwin Paul D’Souza explained the objectives of the Prayer Meet.
The first keynote address was delivered by Rev. Fr. Gabriel Monis, who reflected on the call to Christian unity. He emphasized that true unity begins with personal conversion and that each individual must first be willing to change oneself before expecting others to change. Although Christians may belong to different traditions and denominations, they are united in the one Lord, Jesus Christ. He encouraged everyone to become authentic witnesses before God by living lives of prayer, love, compassion, forgiveness, and mutual respect.
Pastor Ravi then addressed the gathering on the importance of love as the foundation of Christian unity. He noted that the Bible repeatedly calls believers to “love one another”, emphasising that this command appears nearly sixty times in Scripture. He explained that without love, no ministry or mission can bear lasting fruit. Christians are called to lay down their lives for others, following the example of Christ, yet today’s world often witnesses hatred and violence instead of selfless love. He said, Glorify the Lord, and every act of service finds its true meaning only when Christ remains at its centre.
In his presidential address, Rt. Rev. Dr. Duming Dias invited the participants to reflect on the realities of society and asked them to consider what is happening in their state and local communities. Challenging the gathering with the question, “Where is our voice?”, he urged Christians not to remain confined within the walls of the Church but to become courageous witnesses in society.
The bishop also highlighted several contemporary concerns affecting the nation. He stressed the importance of creating awareness regarding SIR and encouraged participants to educate people responsibly. Referring to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), he explained the need for institutions to remain informed about legal provisions while also exploring opportunities available through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to support charitable and developmental activities. He further mentioned that a petition concerning violence has been admitted by the Supreme Court and called upon Christians to uphold justice, peace, and harmony through prayer and responsible public witness.
The programme also included an interactive game that promoted fellowship and strengthened the bonds of friendship among the participants. This was followed by a discussion on future initiatives of the United Christian Forum, during which participants shared suggestions for strengthening collaboration among different Christian denominations through regular prayer gatherings, awareness programmes, and common initiatives that promote Christian unity.
Rev. Fr. Steven D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the Bishop, resource persons, pastors, participants, and all those who contributed to the success of the Prayer Meet. The programme concluded with a closing prayer led by Pastor Sandeep, entrusting the mission of Christian unity to the Lord and renewing the commitment of all present to work together in love, peace, and mutual understanding for the glory of God.
