The implementation process of synodality in the Diocese of Karwar was conducted in the Honavar Zone, comprising the three deaneries of Bhatkal, Honavar and Kumta, on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

A total of 71 priests and religious participated in the programme. Mr. Ambrose Lopes and Mrs. Gracy D’Silva, who had attended the Synodal Implementation Team Seminar at the Regional Level in Bengaluru on 19 May 2026, were also present.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Fr. Gnan Prakash Rao, Dean of Bhatkal Deanery. Fr. Richard Rodrigues led the gathering in prayer.

The first session, entitled “Spirituality of Synodality”, was led by Fr. Richard Rodrigues. He highlighted that synodality is primarily a spiritual disposition, a spiritual practice and a way of life that should permeate the daily life and mission of every baptized person and the entire Church. He emphasized that synodality is not merely a programme or an activity, but a way of being Church—walking together, listening to one another and discerning the movement of the Holy Spirit.

This was followed by the introduction of the resource person by Fr. Benjamin D’Souza, Dean of Honavar Deanery. The second session was conducted by Fr. Simon Pinto of the Diocese of Shimoga on the theme “Implementation of Synodality in the Diocese”. He emphasized that the Implementation Phase seeks to promote the synodal methodology of consultation and discernment and to identify concrete formation pathways that can bring about a tangible synodal conversion in parishes and diocese.

Fr. Simon Pinto then conducted the third session, a practical working session on “Conversation in the Spirit,” a prayerful method of discernment that gives priority to deep listening, silent reflection and speaking from the heart. The participants were divided into ten groups of seven members each. Fr. Simon guided them through a dynamic process of synodal discernment, encouraging participants to listen attentively to one another, reflect together and discern the movement of the Holy Spirit.

The final session, “The Way Forward”, was led by Fr. Richard Rodrigues. The secretaries of the respective groups presented the key themes that emerged from their conversations and summarized the collective reflections of the participants. The sharing provided valuable insights into the practical steps that could be taken to strengthen a synodal culture in the parishes and deaneries of the Diocese.

Fr. Chrysostom Rodrigues, Dean of Kumta Deanery, expressed words of gratitude to the resource person, the organizers and all the participants for their active involvement and contribution. Fr. Benjamin D’Souza led the gathering in the Angelus, bringing the programme to a prayerful close.

The gathering concluded with lunch. Thereafter, the respective deaneries continued with their scheduled pastoral hours.

The programme provided an important opportunity for the priests and religious of the Honavar Zone to deepen their understanding of synodality and to engage in prayerful reflection and discernment. It also encouraged them to identify concrete and practical ways of living, promoting and implementing synodality in the Diocese of Karwar.