Shimoga Diocesan Commissions Hold Annual Planning Meeting

Shivamogga, Karnataka, November 2, 2025: The annual meeting of the Deanery Commission members, along with the Commission Directors of the Diocese of Shimoga, was held on October 31, 2025, at Sannidhi, Shivamogga. The gathering was presided over by the Dr. Duming Dias, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Shimoga.

The meeting commenced with a prayer song led by Msgr Stany D’Souza, followed by a Gospel reading by Mrs. Mary D’Souza and a prayer led by Fr. Franklin D’Souza.

Fr. Simon Pinto, Coordinator of the Diocesan Pastoral Commissions, extended a warm welcome and underlined the significance of the meeting.

In his address, Bishop Duming Dias reflected on the Pastoral Mission of 2033 for the Diocese of Shimoga, aligning it with the CCBI Pastoral Plan 2033. He emphasised the spiritual and pastoral importance of the Jubilee 2033, while commending Fr. Simon Pinto for his dedicated coordination of diocesan commissions.

Bishop Dias also declared 2026 as the Year of the Marginalised, urging every commission to organise at least one programme dedicated to them. He outlined the 2026 pastoral plan for all parishes, requesting parish priests to take due note of it. Additionally, he reiterated the continuity of Mission 2033 – A Dream Journey in the Footsteps of Jesus Christ, a vision first introduced by Bishop Francis Serrao SJ, now set to advance with renewed enthusiasm.

Fr. Simon Pinto then presented a detailed overview of Mission 2025 and the Jubilee Year 2025, connecting them to the diocesan preparations for Mission 2033. He highlighted the ongoing national movement Journey Towards a Synodal Church and the Karnataka Regional Plan’s theme, Renewal and a Synodal Church: Renewing the Church the Synodal Way.

Reflecting on the diocesan context, Fr. Pinto explained how Mission 2025 was evaluated in collaboration with the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC), Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC), and diocesan commissions. Introducing the draft of Mission 2033, aptly titled Dream Journey in the Footsteps of Jesus Christ, he elaborated on its key components:

1. Context (ಸಂದರ್ಭ)

2. Mission (ಕಾರ್ಯ)

3. Aim (ಗುರಿ)

4. Purpose (ಉದ್ದೇಶ)

5. Basic Values (ಮೂಲ ಮೌಲ್ಯಗಳು)

6. Basic Principles (ಮೂಲ ತತ್ವಗಳು)

7. Commissions and Desks (ಆಯೋಗ ಮತ್ತು ಡೆಸ್ಕ್ ಗಳು) – 22 Commissions and 3 Desks

8. Priorities of the Diocese (ಧರ್ಮಕ್ಷೇತ್ರದ ಆದ್ಯತೆಗಳು)

9. Dreams of 2033 (ಧರ್ಮ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರದ 2033 ಕನಸುಗಳು)

Following the presentation, commission directors and members formed groups to discuss plans and suggestions for the Year of the Marginalised 2026. They also coordinated their upcoming activities in collaboration with deanery members.

Fr. Simon Pinto proposed the vote of thanks, and the meeting concluded with the Angelus led by Msgr Stany D’Souza.

By Fr. Franklin D’Souza

Photos by Fr. Vinuth Balu

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