Media Release
Shivamogga, Aug 17: With the blessings of Dr Francis Serrao SJ, bishop of the diocese of Shimoga, the Shimoga Diocesan Service of Communion (SDSC), was officially reconstituted on August 16 and 17.
The reconstitution was conducted under the guidance of the National Service of Communion (NSC) and the Karnataka Regional Service of Communion (KRSC) and hosted at the Sannidhi; Centre for Pastoral Renewal, Shivamogga.
The reconstitution team included Fr Franklin D’Souza, spiritual director of KRSC as well as SDSC; Godfrey Pereira, NSC member; Thomas Chinnappa, KRSC secretary and resource person; and Ajay, member of KRSC and resource person.
Day 1: Formation and reflection
The proceedings began on August 16 with the Rosary and praise and worship led by the Bro John Lobo, followed by the formal inauguration Fr Stephen Maxi Albuquerque, chancellor of the diocese of Shimoga. In his speech, he applauded the commitment of the DSC team. He also said that in critical times, the intercession has helped our diocese.
Bro Ajay took a session on “Called and Chosen,” which was followed by a teaching on “CCR & leadership in the church” by Godfrey Pereira until noon.
The afternoon continued with praise and worship led by Bro Francis D'Mello, and a session by Fr Franklin D’Souza on servant leadership, rooted in Acts 8:9-22. This was followed by a session on “Role and responsibilities of service team members” by Bro Thomas Chinnappa.
Fr Franklin D'Souza celebrated the Holy Eucharist and preached a homily on “The oath: A commitment for three years in the mission of the lord.”
Bro Thomas Chinnappa served as the emcee for the day.
Day 2: Discernment and new leadership
The second day commenced with praise and worship led by Bro Thomas Chinnappa.
With the prayer, Nominees then introduced themselves, then Bro Thomas Chinnappa spoke on "Election process", and voting with institutions was carried out.
Bro Godfrey Pereira, Bro Ajay, Bro Thomas Chinnappa and 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 2025 to 2028:
1. John Lobo - coordinator
2. Mary Louis - secretary
3. Francis D'Mello
4. Felix Albert Fernandes
5. Cecilia Gomes
6. Jyothi Machado
7. Wilson
8. David Raj ex-officio
Dr Francis Serrao SJ, bishop of diocese of Shimoga offered Holy Eucharist together with Fr Franklin D'Souza and thanked Almighty God for the reconstitution of DSC in the diocese. In his homily he spoke in "faith and action; both are needed in the Church". Prison ministry volunteers were also present for the Holy Eucharist.
He also appreciated the prayer warriors who are gifted by the holy spirit and he said that the diocese needs to build strong intercessory prayer groups. "We need to witness the mission and mandate of Jesus through sincere prayer 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 his hands on the leaders.
At the end of the Holy Eucharist, spiritual director of renewal movement of the diocese of Shimoga Fr Franklin D'Souza thanked god, bishop as well as all the resource team and the participants. He specially thanked Fr Roshan Pinto, director of Sannidhi & the staff of Sannidhi for rendering their services for the successful completion of DSC reconstitution.