Holy Cross Minor Seminary, Shirwad, Karwar, Begins New Academic Year with Solemn Inaugural Mass

Shirwad, Karwar, July 4, 2025: Holy Cross Minor Seminary, Shirwad, a seminary under the diocese of Karwar, formally commenced the academic year 2025-26 on Thursday, July 3, with a solemn Inaugural Mass. The celebration coincided with the Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle. The Mass was held in the seminary chapel, where seminarians, clergy, and seminary staff gathered to mark the beginning of the new formation year with a spirit of thanksgiving.

Bp. Dr. Duming Dias, the Bishop of the Karwar Diocese, presided over the Holy Eucharist. In his homily, he called on the seminarians studying at the institution to emulate the faith and missionary zeal of St. Thomas the Apostle. Emphasising the essentials of priestly formation, the bishop highlighted three core themes: formation as a journey of relationship, the importance of fraternity, and the call to become men capable of loving, listening, praying, and serving in unity.

Rev. Fr. Gabriel Monis, parish priest of Shirwad, and the new staff of the seminary were also present for the celebration.

This academic year, the seminary welcomes seven new candidates who have responded to God’s call, bringing the total number of seminarians studying at the institution to 27. Of these, nine will proceed to their next stage of formation in Udupi later this year.

Following the Mass, a festive meal was shared in community, strengthening the bonds of fraternity among all the attendees and marking the occasion with joy and thanksgiving.

The inaugural Mass not only marked the commencement of the academic year but also served as a spiritual reminder of the sacred responsibility each seminarian bears—to grow in holiness, deepen in knowledge, and commit wholeheartedly to the service of the Church.

Source: Diocese of Karwar website