The orientation programme of the Karnataka Regional Service of Communion was held at Sannidhi, Shivamogga
Shivamogga, February 19, 2024: 2nd Annual Orientation Programme of Karnataka Regional Service of Communion (KRSC) held at Sannidhi, Pastoral Renewal Centre, Shivamogga on February 17th and 18th, 2024.
Diocesan Service of Communion (DSC) leaders from 14 Dioceses of Karnataka gathered on Friday evening, February 16, at Sannidhi, Shivamogga. Sannidhi Director Bishop Elect of the Diocese of Karwar, Msgr. Duming Dias, welcomed the participants.
On February 17th, 2024, the day began at 7 a.m. with a rosary. At 7:30 a.m., Most Rev. Lawrence Mukkuzhy, Bishop of the Diocese of Belthangady and KRSC Episcopal Advisor, led the inaugural Holy Eucharist. In his homily, he explained the power of prayer and the love of the Lord Jesus for humanity. He invited those gathered to be like Jesus and witness Jesus in their lives.
After the breakfast at 9:15 a.m., praise and worship Then, at 9:45 a.m., Bishop Lawrence spoke on “Bringing vibrancy into the prayer groups.” At 11:30am, KRSC Coordinator Bro. Cherian Ramapuram gave a talk on “Managing Relationships” (Marriage, Prayer Groups, Church, and Colleagues).
After lunch at 2 p.m., there was praise and worship. At 2:30 p.m., the reporting session began. Bishop Lawrence Mukkuzhy, KRSC Spiritual Director, Fr. Franklin D’Souza, KRSC Coordinator, Bro. Cherian Ramapuram, and KRSC Secretary, Bro. Thomas Chinnappa, were on dais and led the reporting session. All the diocesan DSCs presented their annual reports. The KRSC report was also presented by the secretary.
After the tea break at 5 p.m., Bro. Colin Calmiano led the session on “Leadership and Raising the Leaders.” At 6:15 p.m., Fr Franklin D’Souza led the leaders into a session on “Repentance and prepared them for the sacrament of reconciliation. At 7:15 p.m., the Blessed Sacrament was exposed, and seven priests helped the leaders with the confession. The day’s programme was concluded with the benediction of Fr Franklin D’Souza.
Day 2, February 18, 2024, began at 6 a.m. with praise and worship. At 6:30 a.m., there was the Holy Rosary. At 7 a.m., Most Rev. Francis Serrao Sj., Bishop of the Diocese of Shimoga, offered the Holy Eucharist and gave a message on “Tree of Life and Tree of Knowledge.” He explained the true meaning of Lent.
Bishop Lawrence Mukkuzhy, Bishop Elect of the Diocese of Karwar, Msgr. Duming Dias, Fr Franklin D’Souza, Fr Joachim Monteiro from Karwar, Fr Stany Crasta from Karwar, Fr Vincent from Udupi, Fr Lawrence Poonolil from Belthangady, Fr Thomas from Bhadravati, and Fr John Paul from Bangalore concelebrated with Bishop Francis.
After the breakfast, the DSC of Shimoga led the praise and worship. At 9:15am, Bishop Lawrence Mukkuzhy gave a talk on “Consistency: The Key to Spiritual Success.” After the tea break, Bro. Colin Calmiano spoke on “Tithing and Fundraising.”.
At 12 p.m., Bishop Lawrence Mukkuzhy spoke on the vision of KRSC for the region of Karnataka. Then each diocese went into the group for the planning. After the lunch at 2 p.m., groups did the reporting. Bishop Lawrence Mukkuzhy and KRSC Coordinator Bro. Cherian Ramapuram gave the concluding remarks.
At 2:45 p.m., Bishop Lawrence Mukkuzhy and Fr Franklin D’Souza led the anointing Adoration and session. At 3:30 p.m., KRSC Secretary Bro. Thomas Chinnappa thanked everyone.
KRSC team members: Cherian Ramapuram from Bangalore, Thomas Chinnappa from Bangalore, Elias Coelho from Mangalore, Ajay from Chikmagalur, Abhishek from Bellary, and K. J. Anthony from Mysore were present and took the responsibility of organising the programme.
The programme concluded with tea.
Report by: Thomas Chinnappa, Bengaluru
Photos by: Abhishek, Bellary
