On 18th February 2026, Ash Wednesday, the Holy Eucharist was solemnly celebrated at the Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral, Kajubag, Karwar. The Most Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar, was the main celebrant, joined by several concelebrating priests and a large gathering of the faithful.

In his homily, the Bishop reflected on the true spirit of Lent, highlighting the three pillars — prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. He reminded the faithful that these acts should not be performed as a show before others, but with sincerity and humility of heart. Genuine repentance, he emphasized, leads to inner renewal and deeper communion with God.

After the final blessing, the Bishop formally inaugurated the Year of the Poor at the diocesan level. He unveiled the logo of the Year of the Poor and also inaugurated the housing project by unveiling the symbolic structure of a house, representing the diocesan commitment to build houses for the poor in every parish.

Addressing the gathering, the Bishop explained that this initiative is undertaken in preparation for the forthcoming Diocesan Golden Jubilee Year. He urged all the faithful to pray sincerely for the success of this project and to actively participate through generosity and involvement.

Declaring this as the Year of the Poor, he called upon everyone to show mercy and compassion towards the poor and marginalized, making concrete efforts to uplift and support them.The celebration marked a meaningful and mission-oriented beginning to the Lenten season for the entire diocese.