The Young Clergy Meeting was held on 6th November 2024 at Puneeth Sadan, Shirwad, marking the first gathering since Bishop Duming Dias was ordained as bishop. The meeting was attended by 19 priests. It began with a prayer hymn. Fr. Stephen D’Souza (Jr) served as the master of ceremonies, leading the program smoothly, while Fr. Wilson D’Souza welcomed Bishop Duming Dias, the resource persons, and all the young clergy.

To honor the new bishop, Fr. Michael Pinto (Jr) and Fr. Valentine Fernandes, the senior-most among the young clergy, presented him with a garland and shawl. Fr. Cyprian Silva then read the minutes of the previous meeting. The meeting proceeded with the election of the young clergy’s president and secretary. Fr. Bostenv Nazareth was proposed and appointed as president, while Fr. Rohan Gonsalves was proposed and appointed as secretary.

The first session featured a talk by Fr. John Fernandes, drawing on his 40 years of ministry, Fr. John Fernandes shared enriching insights, including his personal journey, experiences in community life with fellow priests, and his roles in both parish and school settings.The second session was led by Fr. Baptist Gomes, the diocesan chancellor, who covered canonical topics, specifically on “temporal goods” and “Graviora Delicta.” His session was highly informative, and he addressed practical questions related to marriage and other issues posed by the young priests.

During afternoon session, each priest shared personal experiences, including both challenges and successes in ministry and mission work. This sharing created a supportive environment where priests discussed their journey, the difficulties they face, and their mission experiences.

After the sharing session, Bishop Duming Dias addressed the young clergy. He offered invaluable advice, encouraging them to be confident, positive, multi-tasking, organized, mission-oriented, and pastoral in their ministry. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by Fr. Silvan Rodrigues.