Bangalore Archdiocese

Report by: Thomas Chinnappa, Bengaluru
Photos by: Abhishek, Bellary

Shivamogga, Feb 19 : 2nd Annual Orientation program of Karnataka Regional Service of Communion (KRSC) was held at Sannidhi, Pastoral Renewal Centre, Shivamogga on 17th & 18th, 2024.

Diocesan Service of Communion (DSC) leaders from 14 Dioceses of Karnataka gathered on February 16th Friday evening at Sannidhi, Shivamogga. Sannidhi Director Bishop Elect of Diocese of Karwar Msgr. Duming Dias welcomed the participants.

On February 17th, 2024, the day began at 7am with Rosary. At 7:30am Most Rev. Lawrence Mukkuzhy, Bishop of Diocese of Belthangady & KRSC Episcopal Advisor led the inaugural Holy Eucharist. In his homily he explained about the power of the prayer and love of the Lord Jesus to humanity. He invited those gathered to be like Jesus and witness Jesus in their lives.

After the breakfast at 9:15am , there was Praise and Worship. Then at 9:45am Bishop Lawrence spoke on "Bringing vibrancy into the prayer groups". At 11:30am KRSC Coordinator Bro.  Cherian Ramapuram took a talk on "Managing Relationships" (Marriage, Prayer Groups, Church & Colleagues).

After lunch at 2pm , there was the Praise and Worship. At 2:30pm was the reporting session. Bishop Lawrence Mukkuzhy, KRSC Spiritual Director - Fr Franklin D'Souza, KRSC Coordinator - Bro. Cherian Ramapuram and KRSC Secretary - Bro. Thomas Chinnappa were on the dais and led the reporting session. All the Diocesan DSC presented their annual reports. The KRSC report was also presented by the Secretary.

After the tea break at 5pm Bro. Colin Calmiano led the session on "Leadership and raising the leaders". At 6:15pm Fr Franklin D'Souza led the leaders into a session on "Repentance and prepared them for Sacrament of Reconciliation". At 7:15pm Blessed Sacrament was exposed and 7 priests helped the leaders for the  confession. Days program was concluded with the benediction by Fr Franklin D'Souza at 8:30pm.

Day 2 :
February 18th 2024, began at 6am with Praise and Worship. At 6:30am was the Holy Rosary. At 7am Most Rev. Francis Serrao Sj,  Bishop of Diocese of Shimoga offered Holy Eucharist and gave a message on "Tree of life & Tree of Knowledge". He explained the true meaning of the Lent.

Bishop Lawrence Mukkuzhy, Bishop Elect of 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 the Bishop Francis.

After the breakfast , DSC of Shimoga led the Praise and Worship. At 9:15am Bishop Lawrence Mukkuzhy gave a talk on "Consistency- Key to Spiritual Success". After the tea break Bro. Colin Calmiano spoke on "Tithing and Fundraising".

At 12pm 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 2pm Groups did the reporting. Bishop Lawrence Mukkuzhy and KRSC Coordinator Bro Cherian Ramapuram gave the concluding remarks.

At 2:45pm Bishop Lawrence Mukkuzhy and Fr Franklin D'Souza led the anointing Adoration and session. At 3:30pm 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, K. J. Anthony from Mysore were present and took the responsibility of organising the program.

Program concluded with tea.