Canon law training conducted for priests of Karwar diocese

Karwar, Karnataka, September 15, 2025 – The Diocese of Karwar held its ongoing formation programme for clergy on Canon Law and Pastoral Ministry, with 90 priests participating in a day of insightful learning led by Fr. T. Lourdusamy from the faculty of Canon Law at St. Peter’s Pontifical Seminary, Bangalore.

The day opened with a warm welcome from Bishop Rt. Dr. Duming Dias, who expressed his delight at hosting Fr. Lourdusamy for this important occasion.

In the morning session, Fr. Lourdusamy delivered a thought-provoking lecture on Particular Delicts and Punishments in Book VI of the 1983 Code of Canon Law. His clear explanations provided priests with a deeper understanding of the Church’s legal framework on offences and penalties. An open forum followed, allowing clergy to raise questions and clarify canonical issues in an interactive setting.

The afternoon turned to practical concerns with a session on the Pastoral Dimensions of PPC and PFC. Fr. Lourdusamy highlighted the roles of the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) and Parish Finance Council (PFC) as vital to parish and diocesan life. Through real-life examples, he demonstrated how these structures could strengthen pastoral engagement and sound administration.

Priests described the sessions as enriching, with the combination of legal clarity and pastoral application enhancing their grasp of canonical responsibilities in daily ministry.

At the close of the programme, Fr. Gabriel Monis conveyed gratitude on behalf of the clergy to Bishop Dias and to all who made the formation possible. Special thanks went to Fr. Cyprian Silva, Director of the Diocesan Pastoral Centre, and Fr. Intru Pinto, Procurator of the Diocese, for their careful planning and smooth organisation of the day.

The third day of the formation concluded with priests renewed in their commitment and enthusiasm for their pastoral mission in the Diocese of Karwar.

By Fr. Cyprian Silva

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