Gulbarga Diocese

Kalaburagi, July 19, 2026: The Karnataka Regional Service of Communion (KRSC) gathered at the Bishop’s House, Diocese of Gulbarga, on July 18 and 19, 2026, for a two-day meeting focused on prayer, discernment, fellowship, and pastoral planning. The meeting was held under the guidance of Most Rev. Dr. Robert Miranda, Bishop of Gulbarga and Episcopal Advisor to KRSC.

The KRSC team for 2022–2026 present at the meeting included Mr. Cherian Ramapuram, Coordinator; Mr. Thomas Chinnappa, Secretary; Mr. Joachim Pinto, National NSC Member; and members Mr. Elias Coelho, Mr. Ronald D'Souza, Mr. Bosco Solomon, Mrs. Mercy Menezes, Mr. Jabamalai Muthu, and Mr. Viju Xavier. Rev. Fr. Franklin D'Souza, Spiritual Director of KRSC, and Rev. Fr. Clary, Spiritual Director of the Diocese of Gulbarga, also participated in the deliberations.

The meeting began on Saturday, July 18, with Praise and Worship led by Elias and Rony. Mr. Cherian Ramapuram welcomed the gathering, after which Bishop Robert Miranda delivered the keynote address on the theme, “Are We a Mission-Filled, Spirit-Filled Church or a Static Church?”

Drawing inspiration from the examples of Barnabas and Philip in the Acts of the Apostles, Bishop Miranda invited the participants to reflect deeply on their personal calling, prayer life, and commitment to the mission of the Church. He stressed the importance of beginning each day with 30 minutes of Eucharistic Adoration and encouraged the formation of an “army of prayer” in every parish. He also urged the team to identify, encourage, and nurture Spirit-filled individuals who could dedicate themselves to the work of the Lord.

Following the keynote address, Bishop Robert Miranda celebrated the Holy Eucharist and offered special prayers for the mission and ministry of KRSC across Karnataka.

The business sessions included the presentation of the Secretary’s Report for 2022–2026 by Mr. Thomas Chinnappa and the Financial Report by Coordinator Mr. Cherian Ramapuram. Rev. Fr. Franklin D'Souza then presented reflections on the “Way Forward” for KRSC, followed by a session highlighting the rights and responsibilities of the KRSC team.

During the planning sessions, Mr. Cherian Ramapuram presented the National Programmes of NSC. Under the guidance of Bishop Robert Miranda, the team discussed and finalized the regional programmes for 2026–2029. The members also shared their views and discerned future priorities in key areas such as DSC, Youth Ministry, Intercession, and Pro-Life initiatives.

The first day concluded in a prayerful atmosphere with Eucharistic Adoration, followed by fellowship over dinner and Night Prayer.

On Sunday, July 19, Rev. Fr. Franklin D'Souza celebrated the Holy Eucharist at Mary Mother of Divine Grace Cathedral, Kalaburagi, followed by Healing Adoration. A meaningful sharing session was also held, during which the members shared their personal experiences and encounters with the Lord. The two-day gathering concluded with lunch and fellowship.

The KRSC meeting was a grace-filled experience of prayer, fraternity, discernment, and mission planning. Renewed by the Holy Spirit, the team resolved to move forward with greater zeal and commitment towards building a Spirit-filled and mission-oriented Church in Karnataka.

The KRSC expressed its heartfelt gratitude to Most Rev. Dr. Robert Miranda and the Diocese of Gulbarga for their warm hospitality, spiritual guidance, and generous support in making the gathering a meaningful and enriching experience.

2026-07-20 07:18:28

The Conference of Religious India (CRI), Gulbarga Diocese, successfully conducted its Annual General Body Meeting on 26 June 2026 at the Mother of Divine Grace Cathedral Parish, Kalaburagi. The gathering brought together priests, religious sisters, and members of various congregations serving across the Diocese, fostering communion, collaboration, and renewed commitment to consecrated life.

The programme commenced with registration and a warm welcome to the participants, followed by a felicitation of the distinguished guests. The highlight of the meeting was an enlightening session on “Magnifica Humanitas,” the Encyclical of Pope Leo XIV, presented by Rev. Fr. Roshan D’Souza, Director of Premavani Communications, Diocese of Gulbarga. In his presentation, Fr. Roshan reflected on the Holy Father’s vision of human dignity, Christian fraternity, responsible use of technology, and the mission of consecrated persons in building a compassionate and hope-filled society.

The participants then gathered for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Robert Miranda, Bishop of Gulbarga. During his homily, the Bishop encouraged all religious to remain faithful witnesses of Christ, strengthening their communities through prayer, unity, and dedicated service to the people of God.

The meeting also featured group discussions, where participants reflected on the contemporary challenges and opportunities facing religious life and explored practical ways of strengthening their apostolic ministries in the Diocese. The interaction provided an enriching platform for sharing experiences, best practices, and future pastoral initiatives.

The day concluded with fellowship, recreational activities, and expressions of gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the gathering. The Annual General Body Meeting reaffirmed the commitment of the religious communities of the Gulbarga Diocese to journey together in faith, communion, and mission, inspired by the teachings of the Church and the Gospel values.

2026-06-26 21:09:04

Gulbarga Diocesan Education Society successfully organized Sankalpa 2026, a vibrant and enriching residential educational camp held at Sugyaan from 15th April to 7th May 2026. Guided by Fr. Steevan Veigas, Secretary of the Society, the camp brought together 68 children for a meaningful journey of learning, skill development, personality enhancement, and joyful interaction.

The camp began with an inspiring inaugural ceremony where Bishop Robert Miranda encouraged the children to pursue knowledge, discipline, and values in life. Fr. Santhosh Bapu and Fr. Stany Lobo were also present on the occasion.

Throughout the camp, children actively participated in structured academic sessions in English, Science, and Mathematics, strengthening their educational foundation and improving their confidence in learning.

Several expert resource persons added immense value to the camp through specialized sessions. Sisters from Bethany Convent conducted health check-ups and interactive sessions on personal hygiene, nutrition, and healthy living habits.

The Galaxy International Abacus team trained the children in mental arithmetic, concentration techniques, and memory development. Ms. Meenakshi delivered an inspiring session on career opportunities and future planning, helping students explore various educational and professional pathways.

Mr. Saju conducted engaging sessions on mathematics, logical reasoning, and brain development activities, encouraging analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. Fr. Roshan D’Souza created awareness about responsible internet usage, digital safety, media literacy, and the importance of using technology wisely.

Ms. Vandana conducted an important awareness session on child safety, personal rights, and the POCSO Act, helping children understand safety, confidence, and self-protection.

The camp was filled with excitement through academic competitions, group activities, games, yoga sessions, creative workshops, and a delightful performance by Jadugar Sandeep, which brought joy and enthusiasm among the participants.

The grand finale of Sankalpa 2026 was held on 6th May 2026 in a festive atmosphere. The concluding program was graced by Ms. Bharathi, Mr. Sagar, Sr. Nathalia, Fr. Stany Lobo, along with educators, guests, and well-wishers. The children presented a colourful cultural program showcasing their talents, confidence, creativity, and teamwork. Prizes and certificates were distributed to recognize excellence and active participation.

Sankalpa 2026 concluded as a memorable educational journey where children learned new skills, built confidence, discovered their talents, and returned home with valuable knowledge, joyful memories, and renewed dreams for the future.

2026-05-06 18:33:58

A two-day training programme for Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) Animators was successfully conducted at Sugyan, the Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Kotnoor, on 7–8 March 2026. The programme aimed at strengthening the vision, spirituality, and leadership of animators who guide the Basic Ecclesial Communities in the parishes of the diocese.

The training began with the solemn enthronement of the Gospel, followed by a moment of silent prayer, invoking God’s guidance for the programme. The sessions were animated by Rev. Fr. Maxim, Regional Secretary for BEC, who served as the main resource person for the two days.

In his opening session, Fr. Maxim explained the role and mission of BEC animators, highlighting the theological foundations and pastoral importance of Basic Ecclesial Communities in the life of the Church. He emphasized that BECs are not merely small groups but living cells of the Church, where faith is nurtured through prayer, reflection on the Word of God, and mutual support among families.

As part of the practical formation, the participants were divided into five groups consisting of priests, religious sisters, and lay animators. These groups were then sent to different wards of the Cathedral Parish to conduct prayer services along with the local faithful. This pastoral exposure became a unique and enriching experience, enabling the animators to practice community prayer and Gospel sharing in real parish settings.

Around forty participants took part in the training programme. The ward prayer gatherings witnessed active participation of the faithful, who joined wholeheartedly in prayer and reflection, thereby experiencing the spirit and purpose of the Basic Ecclesial Community movement.

During the subsequent sessions, Fr. Clary D’Souza (BEC Secretary), Fr. Antony Selvam, Fr. Roshan D’Souza, and Fr. Francis Antony guided the groups through various interactive activities. The sessions included group discussions, faith-sharing, singing, and ice-breaking activities, which helped participants deepen their understanding of the Church as a communion of communities.

2026-03-08 12:12:37

The Diocese of Gulbarga organized a significant seminar on New Labour Codes on 12 February 2026 at Sugyan, aiming to equip educational, religious, and social institutions with clarity on the evolving legal framework governing employment and institutional administration. The programme was conducted by the Commissions for Social Concerns and Education under the guidance of Fr. Steevan and Fr. Victor.

The seminar was graced by the presence of Robert Miranda, Bishop of Gulbarga, along with Fr. Santhosh Bapu, Vicar General of the Diocese, and Fr. Steavan Veigas, Commission Secretary for Education. Their presence underscored the Diocese’s commitment to ensuring that its institutions remain legally compliant, ethically responsible, and mission-focused.

The event was organized by the Gulbarga Diocesan Education Society in collaboration with the concerned diocesan commissions. Around 80 participants from various NGOs and educational institutions of the Diocese actively took part in the seminar, making it a meaningful and enriching learning experience.

The resource person for the day, Adv. Fr. Vincent Pereira, Advocate of the Gulbarga Diocese, delivered a comprehensive and practical lecture on the four New Labour Codes and allied laws. In his detailed presentation, he explained the significant changes introduced in the areas of wages, ESI, PF, gratuity, professional tax, leave policies, statutory registers, registration procedures, social security, labour welfare, and occupational safety, health, and working conditions.

Fr. Vincent emphasized that even charitable and religious institutions are fully accountable under the new legal regime. He pointed out that the present system demands proper documentation, written appointment letters, structured wage systems, maintenance of statutory records, and adherence to safety and welfare norms. Ignorance of the law, he cautioned, can expose institutions to serious liabilities and penalties, especially in an era of digital inspections and stricter enforcement.

The seminar highlighted that compliance with labour laws is not merely a statutory obligation but also a reflection of justice, transparency, and respect for the dignity of workers—values deeply rooted in the Church’s social teaching. Participants were encouraged to adopt proactive compliance mechanisms and strengthen administrative systems to safeguard their institutions.

The programme concluded with a renewed commitment among diocesan institutions to remain legally secure and administratively sound, ensuring that their noble mission of education and social service continues with credibility and confidence.

2026-02-12 19:31:13