Catholic Teachers’ Meet Strengthens Mission of Education in Karwar

Karwar, September 7, 2025: The Commission for Education of the Catholic Diocese of Karwar organised the Catholic Teachers’ Meet – 2025 on September 7, bringing together teachers, lecturers, and professors from across the diocese. A total of 175 participants from the Bhatkal, Honnavar, Kumta, Kajubhag, and Kone deaneries joyfully gathered for this half-day event.

Delivering the keynote message, Fr. Gabriel Lopes emphasised the purpose of the gathering, underscoring the importance of discovering individual strengths and building a team of thinkers who can inspire and guide the younger generation.

Fr. Richard Rodrigues presented a talk on “The Role of Laity in the Church: Eight Beatitudes for Catholic Teachers.” He underlined the noble vocation of teaching through these guiding principles, which call educators to impart knowledge with love, patience, integrity, and witness. He stressed that a Catholic teacher, as a layperson, transforms the classroom into an apostolate—where Christ is made present through teaching, example, and love.

In honour of Teachers’ Day, the gathering celebrated with a cake-cutting ceremony. On this occasion, Ms. Sujata Horta was felicitated for receiving the District Level Best Teacher Award 2025, a proud moment for the diocese.

To strengthen educational support, two members were chosen from each parish to contribute to Career Guidance initiatives across the diocese, as well as to the Think Tank committee.

The spiritual heart of the event was the solemn celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Vicar General Fr. Richard Rodrigues with four concelebrant priests. Fr. Anthony Rodrigues, Dean of Kumta Deanery, preached an inspiring homily encouraging teachers to embrace their vocation with faith and dedication. He also proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the event.

The Catholic Teachers’ Meet – 2025 stood as a moment of fellowship, recognition, and renewal of commitment to the noble mission of education, firmly rooted in Gospel values and service to society.

Karwar Diocese