The First Batch of the Annual Clergy Retreat of the Diocese of Karwar was held from 2nd to 8th August 2026, with 60 diocesan priests participating in a week-long journey of prayer, reflection, fraternity, and spiritual renewal.

The retreat was preached by Fr. Naveen Rebello, SVD, on the inspiring theme “Joy of Being a Priest.” On the opening day, Rt. Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar, introduced the retreat preacher and invited the priests to enter wholeheartedly into the retreat and rediscover the joy, dignity, and beauty of their priestly vocation.

Fr. Naveen offered two spiritual conferences each day, led the priests in meditation, and preached the homily during each Eucharistic celebration. His reflections centred on the various dimensions of priestly vocation and ministry. The themes included “Our Priestly Identity,” “Priest as the Beloved Disciple,” “Priest as the Servant of the Word of God,” “Priest as the Minister of the Eucharist,” “Priestly Relationships,” “Priest as a Co-worker in the Vineyard of the Lord,” “Priest as the Wounded Healer,” “Priest as a Creative Evangeliser,”and “Priest as a Pilgrim and Missionary Disciple among the People,”

Every evening, the priests gathered for Eucharistic Adoration, providing a time of silent prayer and intimate communion with the Lord. The retreat also included a meaningful opportunity for the priests to share their experiences and reflections on the theme of each day.

The retreat concluded on 8th August with the Holy Eucharist presided over by Bishop Duming Dias. The Mass was offered especially for the deceased priests of the Diocese of Karwar and the late Bishop William D’Mello, remembering with gratitude their lives, priestly ministry, and service to the Diocese.

At the end of the Eucharistic celebration, a brief thanksgiving programme was held. Fr. Stany Pinto anchored the programme, while Fr. Ronald D’Souza expressed words of gratitude and acknowledged the contribution of everyone who worked to make the retreat a meaningful and fruitful experience.

Bishop Duming Dias expressed his special appreciation to Fr. Naveen Rebello, SVD, thanking him for his dedicated service as retreat preacher and for accompanying the priests through his inspiring conferences, meditations, and Eucharistic reflections.

Gratitude was also expressed to Fr. Cyprian Silva for meticulously arranging the liturgy and the daily timetable. Fr. Intru Pinto, Procurator, together with the domestic staff, was appreciated for taking care of the accommodation, food, and hospitality throughout the retreat.

The First Batch of the Annual Clergy Retreat concluded with the priests renewed in faith and strengthened in their commitment to live their vocation with greater joy, deeper communion with Christ, and renewed missionary zeal. The retreat reminded the priests that they are chosen, consecrated, and sent to proclaim the Gospel and joyfully serve God’s people.