The ongoing formation programme for priests and religious of the Diocese of Karwar on “Synodality: Its Spirituality and Its Implementation” was held in the Karwar Zone, comprising the Kajubag and Kone Deaneries, on Thursday, 10 September 2026, at the DPC Hall, Karwar.

A total of 43 priests and religious participated in the programme. Sr. Mable D’Cruz and Shaun Furtado, who had attended the Regional-Level Seminar for the Synodal Implementation Team held in Bengaluru on 19 May 2026, were also present.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Fr. Irenio Dias, Dean of Kajubag Deanery. Fr. Richard Rodrigues led the gathering in prayer, invoking the guidance of the Holy Spirit for the day’s reflection, dialogue and discernment.

The first session, “Spirituality of Synodality,” emphasized that synodality is fundamentally a spiritual disposition, a practice and a way of life that should permeate the life and mission of every baptized person and the Church as a whole. It stressed that synodality is not merely a programme or activity, but a way of being Church—walking together, listening to one another, participating in the Church’s mission and discerning together the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The second session, “Implementation of Synodality in the Diocese,” was led by Fr. Richard Rodrigues. He highlighted the importance of consultation, participation and discernment in the implementation of synodality, emphasizing the need for concrete steps towards synodal conversion in parishes, deaneries and the Diocese.

The third session was a practical working session on “Conversation in the Spirit,” also led by Fr. Richard Rodrigues. He explained Conversation in the Spirit as a prayerful method of discernment based on deep listening, silent reflection and sharing from the heart. The participants were divided into five groups of eight and engaged in a practical experience of synodal listening, reflection and communal discernment, remaining open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The final session, “The Way Forward,” was led by Fr. Richard Rodrigues. The group secretaries presented the key themes and practical suggestions that emerged from the Conversation in the Spirit. The sharing highlighted concrete ways to strengthen a synodal culture in parishes and deaneries and to integrate synodality more deeply into pastoral ministry and community life.

Fr. Gabriel Monis, Dean of Kone Deanery, expressed gratitude to the organizers and participants for their active involvement and contribution to the programme. The gathering concluded with lunch. The formation programme served as a meaningful step towards fostering a Church that listens, participates, discerns and walks together in communion and mission.