The Karwar Diocesan 2nd Batch Priests’ Retreat was held from 16 to 22 August 2026 at Puneeth Sadan, Shirwad, Karwar, with 47 priests of the Diocese of Karwar participating in the week-long spiritual programme. The retreat provided the priests with a meaningful opportunity for prayer, reflection, spiritual renewal and fraternity.

The retreat was preached by Rev. Fr. Anil Kiran Fernandes SVD, who guided the priests through a series of spiritually enriching reflections on God’s Plan and Satan’s Plan, Repentance and Faith, Reconciliation, Renunciation, Suffering and Inner Healing. His reflections invited the priests to examine their lives in the light of God’s plan, experience the transforming power of repentance and faith, seek reconciliation, embrace renunciation and allow God’s grace to bring healing and renewal.

Fr. Anil also preached during the Holy Eucharist each day, helping the priests to connect the Word of God and the Eucharist with their priestly vocation and pastoral mission. His reflections encouraged the priests to renew their commitment to Christ and to serve God’s people with deeper faith and dedication.

The daily programme included morning prayer, Holy Eucharist and Eucharistic Adoration. The priests participated meaningfully in these spiritual exercises, while responsibilities for the various prayers, liturgical celebrations and activities were shared among them each day. This fostered a spirit of fraternity, active participation and shared responsibility.

The retreat concluded on 22 August with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided over by Rt. Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar. Following the Holy Eucharist, a brief felicitation programme was held. Bishop Duming Dias expressed his gratitude to Fr. Anil Kiran Fernandes SVD for preaching the retreat and guiding the priests through his spiritual reflections. He also thanked all the priests for their active and meaningful participation throughout the retreat.

The smooth organisation of the retreat was supported by Fr. Cyprian Silva, Director of the Diocesan Pastoral Centre, who meticulously prepared the timetable and coordinated the programme. Fr. Intru Pinto, Procurator, took care of the accommodation and food arrangements with the assistance of the domestic staff, ensuring the necessary arrangements for the priests throughout the retreat.

The Karwar Diocesan 2nd Batch Priests’ Retreat concluded in a spirit of gratitude, fraternity and renewed commitment to priestly ministry. The week-long retreat offered the priests an opportunity to deepen their relationship with God, experience His mercy and healing, and return to their pastoral communities with renewed spiritual strength and missionary zeal.