Karnataka Charismatic Renewal Reconstitutes Regional Leadership for 2026–2029

Shivamogga, Feb. 16, 2026: The Karnataka Regional Service of Communion has announced its new leadership team for the 2026–2029 term following a three-day orientation and discernment programme held at Sannidhi Pastoral Centre in Shivamogga.

The event, conducted from February 13 to 15, brought together 78 priests and lay leaders representing 13 diocesan service committees across Karnataka. The gathering combined the 4th Annual Orientation and Training Programme for diocesan leaders with the formal reconstitution of the regional coordinating body of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal.

Proceedings were presided over by Bishop Robert Miranda, Episcopal Advisor to the regional body, with Fr. Franklin D’Souza serving as Spiritual Animator and Br. Victor Joanns, Coordinator of the Catholic National Service Committee, facilitating the formation process.

The programme opened with praise and worship, followed by orientation sessions on leadership formation within the Renewal. In his keynote address, Bishop Miranda highlighted the role of charismatic prayer groups in strengthening faith communities and promoting evangelisation within dioceses.

Formation sessions focused on pastoral accompaniment, faith-based leadership, and ecclesial communion. Fr. D’Souza emphasised the importance of spiritual guidance in ministry, while Br. Joanns introduced participants to CHARIS and its role in fostering unity within the global Charismatic Renewal in fidelity to Church teaching.

Spiritual preparation remained central to the gathering, with participants engaging in Eucharistic adoration, intercessory prayer and preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Sessions also underscored the importance of Life in the Spirit Seminars and Basic Human Seminars in nurturing faith formation at the grassroots level.

The reconstitution process followed a structured discernment procedure. Candidates presented themselves for service, after which voting was conducted during adoration, followed by interviews with a discernment panel. The newly elected regional team was subsequently announced for the 2026–2029 term.

The programme concluded with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, during which the newly elected leaders took their oath of service, marking the beginning of a new term for the Karnataka Regional Service of Communion.