Seminarians Empowerment and Enrichment Programme in the Diocese of Shimoga 

Shivamogga, May 19, 2026: Seminarians Empowerment and Enrichment Programme in the Diocese of Shimoga at Bishop’s House from May 17 to 19, 2026.

Organizers:

Bishop Duming Dias, Apostolic Administrator, Diocese of Shimoga 

Fr. Venil D’Silva, Procurator and Sannidhi Director  

Coordinator: Fr. Franklin D’Souza, Director for Vocation Promotion and Formation  

Registration & Coordination:  

     Day 1: Br. Alwin Lopes & Br. Rolson D’Souza  

    Day 2: Br. Mario Aranha & Breston Lobo  

    Day 3: Abhishek & Melroy D’Silva

Programme Summary:

May 17 Sunday: Arrival

Seminarians arrived from 5:00 p.m. The evening began with Rosary led by Br. Rolson D’Souza at 7:30 p.m., followed by supper at 8:00 p.m.

May 18 Monday: Formation Day

The day began at 6:00 a.m. with Meditation at 7:00 a.m. led by Fr. Franklin D’Souza on the Book of Jonah, “Hiding in the Lord or from the Lord.” The reflection explored Jonah’s flight from God’s call and contrasted hiding from the Lord through disobedience with hiding in the Lord through prayer and surrender to His mercy. 

Talk 1: Bishop Duming Dias on Priestly Identity: Called to Be Christ, outlining ten aspects of the priest: Good Shepherd, Father, Pastor, Prophet, Man of Prayer, Wounded Healer, Servant Leader, Political Mystic, Practical Theologian, and Enslaved Liberator.  

Talk 2: Msgr. Stany D’Souza on the History and Mission of the Diocese of Shimoga from the 16th century.  

Holy Eucharist at 12:00 p.m, presided by Bishop Duming Dias. Homily by Fr. Franklin D’Souza on “Called to Be Holy”, based on 1 Peter 1:15-16. He urged seminarians to embrace holiness now through Eucharist, Confession, and charity in community, citing St. John Mary Vianney and St. Charles Borromeo.  

Afternoon included individual meetings with Bishop Duming Dias, followed by a session on Conscience and Preparation for Confessions by Fr. Franklin D’Souza at 6:00 p.m., concluding with Adoration and Confessions at 7:00 p.m.

May 19 Tuesday: Commissioning

Holy Eucharist at 7:00 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Franklin D’Souza, on the theme “Called to Bear Christ and Witness to His Mission.” He spoke on episode of Emmaus, and connected it to witnessing Lord Jesus Christ. Programme concluded with lunch and departure at 1:00 p.m.

The programme aimed at strengthening priestly identity, deepening spirituality, and preparing seminarians for holiness in ministry.