Media Release
Shivamogga , Nov 7: Diocese of Shimoga constituted its first Diocesan Service of Communion on November 6 at Pastoral center for renewal 'Sannidhi' at Shivamogga. The programme was organised by Diocesan Catholic Charismatic Renewal office for two days.
On November 5 the day began with rosary. Fr Franklin D'Souza, spiritual director of Chaismatic Renewal of Diocese of Shimoga, led the Praise and Worship. After the tea break Fr Franklin D'Souza gave the key note address. He explained need of formation of DSC.
Bro Joy Anthony former coordinator of National Service of Communion (NSC) spoke on 'Catholic Charismatic Renewal is the gift of the Holy Spirit to the Church'.
Fr Franklin D'Souza led the Praise and Worship. Then Joy Anthony spoke on the importance of 'Life in the Spirit Seminar'(LSS) and later Fr Franklin D'Souza celebrated Holy Eucharist. In his homily he made known the 'Importance of Sacraments'.
Joy Anthony spoke on 'formation of Prayer Groups in the Parish'. Joy Anthony spoke on 'Intercession and Prophetic Intercession' followed by Workshop on Prophetic Intercession. Post dinner Blessed Sacrament was exposed for the Adoration.
On November 6 Blessed Sacrament was exposed and Fr Franklin D'Souza led the intercessors Rosary and prayed for the Success of the formation of the DSC.
Fr Franklin D'Souza prepared participants for the confessions. Fr Duming Dias, Fr Pius D'Souza and Fr Franklin D'Souza helped participants in the confessional. Then Fr Franklin D'Souza and Fr Pius D'Souza together with Mahime Raj and Thomas Chinnappa led the anointing session.
After the breakfast Thomas Chinnappa- secretary of Karnataka Regional Service of Communion (KRSC) led the Praise and Worship. Then Mahime Raj representative of Karnataka in National Service of Communion (NSC) and also observer for the DSC election by NSC spoke on 'Charis Statutes and Call of God'. Thomas Chinnappa spoke on 'Election Process'.
After the tea break self Introduction was initiated by Thomas Chinnappa. Then the participants wrote seven names as inspired by the Holy Spirit on the given ballots.
Mahime Raj, Thomas Chinnappa Fr Franklin D'Souza were in the discerning team. Meanwhile participants prayed in front of the Blessed Sacrament.
Following leaders were selected by discernment for the year 2022 to 2025. Namely-
David Raj as coordinator, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shivamogga.
Elveera Fernandes as secretary, St Jude's Church, Anandapura.
John Lobo, St Joseph's Church, Sagar.
Francis Lopis, Montis Mary Church, Talaguppa.
Wilson, Immaculate Conception Church, New Town Bhadravati.
Francis D'Mello, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shivamogga.
Mary Louis, St Joseph's Church, Sagar.
Dr Francis Serrao SJ bishop of diocese of Shimoga offered Holy Eucharist together with Fr Franklin D'Souza and thanked Almighty God for formation of DSC in the diocese. In his homily he spoke about 'Resurrection of Jesus and how we have yo be faithful to him'. He also appreciated the prayer warriors who are gifted by the Holy Spirit and he said that diocese needs to build strong intercessory prayer Groups. We need to witness Mission and mandate of Jesus through sincere prayer life and with a deep faith like his disciples.
After the profession of faith bishop led the appointment of new DSC as well as oath taking ceremony. Then he prayed over them by laying the hands on the leaders.
At the end of the Holy Eucharist KRSC secretary Thomas Chinnappa thanked diocese of Shimoga for the constitution of DSC. David Raj thanked Jesus and sought help of prayer of all to lead the DSC. Spiritual director of Renewal Movement of the diocese of Shimoga Fr Franklin D'Souza thanked God, bishop as well as all resource team and the participants. He specially thanked Fr Duming Dias, director of Sannidhi and the staff of Sannidhi for rendering their services for the successful completion of DSC formation.
There were thirty particifrom all over the diocese. It is unanimously accepted by participants that from 2023 January every fourth Saturday Night Vigil will be organised to pray for the intentions of the Diocese of Shimoga at Sannidhi.