MANGALORE, July 3: Preparations for the Diocesan Children Convention 2026 gathered momentum as the Diocese of Mangalore convened its first planning meeting on July 3, 2026, at the Bishop's House, Mangalore. The convention, envisioned as a landmark gathering for children across the diocese, will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at St Joseph Engineering College, Vamanjoor.
The planning meeting was chaired by Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, in the presence of Very Rev. Msgr Maxim Noronha, Vicar General, who offered their guidance and encouragement as various commissions began preparations for the diocesan event.
Fr Alwyn Richard D'Souza, Diocesan Secretary of the Commission for Family, served as the Chief Coordinator of the convention and presented the overall vision, objectives, and roadmap for the programme.
The convention is being jointly organised by the Diocesan Commissions for Family, Faith Formation, Bible, Education, Social Communication, BEC, Vocation & Formation, Proclamation & Evangelisation, and Youth (ICYM & YCS). It is specially designed for students from Grades 5 to 10, bringing together children from parishes across the Diocese of Mangalore for a day of faith, fellowship, learning, and joyful celebration.
The day-long programme will feature a mega procession, Solemn Eucharistic Celebration, inspiring faith sessions, Bible-based activities, music, cultural performances, interactive formation programmes, and several engaging activities aimed at strengthening the faith and Christian values of young participants.
To ensure smooth coordination, eleven committees were constituted with designated coordinators and responsibilities.
Programme Committee: Fr Lawrence Mascarenhas and Fr Alwyn D'Souza
Liturgy Committee: Fr Naveen Pinto and Sr Presilla
Reception, Hospitality & Registration Committee: Fr Roshan D'Cunha and YCS
Food Committee: Fr Lawrence Cutinha and Mr Winston Sequira
Procession & Cultural Committee: Fr Clany D'Souza and Mrs Frenita
Grand Formation Committee: Fr Vincent Sequira and Mrs Shalini D'Souza
Discipline & Safety Committee: Fr Rohit D'Costa and Mr Clement Pinto
Media & Publicity Committee: Fr Anil Fernandes and Mr Robin Sera
Stage & Venue Committee: Fr Praveen and ICYM
Medical & Child Safety Committee: Fr Hary D'Souza and Sr Jenet AC
Finance Committee: Fr Sunil D'Souza and Mr Vinod.
During the meeting, committee members discussed programme planning, liturgical arrangements, logistics, registration, hospitality, publicity, child safety, volunteer mobilisation, and financial planning. Responsibilities were distributed to ensure effective coordination among the various commissions and parish representatives.
The Diocesan Children Convention 2026 is expected to be one of the largest gatherings of children in the history of the Diocese of Mangalore, providing a unique platform for students to deepen their faith, build friendships, and experience the joy of belonging to the diocesan family.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all commissions to work collaboratively in making the convention a memorable celebration of faith and hope for the young Church of the Diocese of Mangalore.
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