The Diocesan Commission for Liturgy, under the leadership of Fr. Cyprian Silva, organised a two-day Renewal Program for the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHCs) of the Kumta, Kone, and Kajubag Deaneries on 18–19 July 2026 at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Shirwad, Karwar. The program brought together 70 Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion for a time of spiritual renewal, formation, and fellowship.
The renewal program aimed to deepen the participants’ Eucharistic spirituality and strengthen their commitment to serving the Church with reverence, humility, and devotion. Over the two days, the participants attended a series of formative sessions on the different models of EMHCs, the role of family life in the ministry of an EMHC, Eucharistic theology, and the meaning and significance of the various parts of the Holy Mass. The schedule also included Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, providing opportunities for prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal.
The sessions were led by Fr. Gabriel Monis, Fr. Sachin D’Souza, Fr. Valento Fernandes, Fr. Thomas D’Souza, and Fr. Cyprian Silva. Through their insightful presentations, they encouraged the participants to carry out their ministry with greater faith, dedication, and love for the Eucharistic Lord.
The Holy Eucharist was celebrated by Fr. Roshan Fernandes. Reflecting on the Sunday Gospel, he reminded the participants of their call to remain like the good seed that bears fruit through lives rooted in goodness, despite the challenges and evil present in the world.
A special highlight of the program was the address by Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Duming Dias. He encouraged the EMHCs to cultivate a deeper relationship with Christ by making regular visits to the Blessed Sacrament, faithfully reading and meditating on the Word of God each day, and participating in a monthly hour of Eucharistic Adoration in their respective parishes. The Bishop also shared updates on the diocesan pastoral plan, Preran Shibir, and SIR, urging everyone to remain actively involved in the pastoral mission of the Diocese.
The participants expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the well-organized program, enriching sessions, prayerful atmosphere, and warm hospitality. They shared that the renewal experience strengthened both their spiritual lives and their understanding of the sacred ministry entrusted to them.
During the vote of thanks, Fr. Cyprian Silva, Director of the Diocesan Commission for Liturgy, expressed sincere gratitude to Bishop Duming Dias for his constant guidance, encouragement, and support. He thanked the parish priests of the Kumta, Kone, and Kajubag Deaneries for sending their EMHCs to the program and acknowledged the valuable service of all the resource persons. He also expressed appreciation to Fr. Intru Pinto for coordinating the boarding and catering arrangements and thanked the staff of the Diocesan Pastoral Centre, especially Steffi and the domestic staff, for their dedicated service. Finally, he thanked all the participants for their active cooperation and encouraged them to continue serving Christ in the Holy Eucharist with faith, humility, and joyful commitment.
