Karwar Diocese Conducts Ongoing Formation Programme for Clergy

Karwar, Karnataka, Sept. 12, 2025: The Diocese of Karwar held a three-day Ongoing Formation Programme for its clergy from 9 to 11 September at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre in Shirwad, Karwar. Priests from across the diocese participated in the event, which was organised by Fr. Cyprian D’Silva, director of the Diocesan Commission for Liturgy, under the guidance of Bishop Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar. The programme aimed to deepen the participants' understanding of Mass liturgy, enhance their pastoral effectiveness, and renew their commitment to the Church’s mission in the region.

The first two days of the programme were dedicated to the topic of liturgy. Fr. Dr. Rudolph Pinto, Executive Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Liturgy, served as the resource person. 

Through sessions on "Ars Celebrandi—the Art and Spirit of Celebration", "The Structure of the Mass", "Reverence and Relevance in Today’s Liturgical Celebration", and "Abuses in the Liturgy", Fr. Dr. Rudolph invited the participating clergy members to rediscover the richness of the liturgy. His pastoral insights, combined with practical examples, enabled priests to deepen their understanding of their role in celebrating the liturgy with authenticity and devotion. Active discussions and clarifications enriched the sessions.

On the third day, Bishop Duming Dias released the Diocesan Survey Book, prepared by Sr. Perpetua and her team. Priests participated in group discussions on survey questions, contributing responses that will guide future pastoral planning for the diocese. The bishop expressed his gratitude to Sr. Perpetua and her collaborators for their dedicated efforts.

The formation programme continued with sessions led by Fr. Lourdusamy T., Faculty of Canon Law at St. Peter’s Pontifical Seminary, Bangalore. He explained Particular Delicts and Punishments from Book VI of the 1983 Code of Canon Law, clarifying the Church’s norms on accountability and responsibility. Later, he spoke on the pastoral role of Parish Pastoral Councils (PPCs) and Parish Finance Councils (PFCs), emphasising their importance for ensuring transparency, collaboration, and growth in parish life.

The programme concluded with a note of thanks from Fr. Gabriel Monis, who acknowledged the leadership of Bishop Dias, the insights shared by all the speakers, and the contributions of Fr. Cyprian Silva, Director of the Pastoral Centre, and Fr. Intru Pinto, Procurator of the Diocese, in coordinating the event.

The three-day gathering proved to be a moment of learning and renewal, strengthening the priests’ commitment to serve with deeper reverence, pastoral effectiveness, and faithfulness to the Church's mission in the Diocese of Karwar.

Source: Diocese of Karwar

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