Karwar Diocese Trains 98 Priests to Improve Liturgical Music

KARWAR, October 22, 2026: The Diocese of Karwar has trained 98 priests in liturgical singing and sacred music, focusing on correcting shortcomings in current practices and ensuring that music used in worship reflects the Church’s liturgical norms.

The one-day seminar, organised by the diocesan Commission for Liturgy on October 20 at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre, aimed to strengthen priests’ understanding of the theological, historical and practical foundations of sacred music as part of their ongoing formation.

Fr. Rudolph Pinto OCD, executive secretary of the CCBI Commission for Liturgy, served as the resource person. He traced the development of liturgical singing, explained its role in the Church’s worship and highlighted errors and shortcomings in existing musical practices.

He also outlined the principles governing the composition of sacred music and introduced resources to help priests select or compose music appropriate to liturgical celebrations.

An interactive discussion enabled priests to clarify doubts and explore how the principles of sacred music could be applied in parish liturgies.

Addressing the gathering, the Bishop of Karwar emphasised that priests must celebrate the liturgy with understanding, reverence and fidelity to the Church’s norms. He urged them to remain open to ongoing formation, reconsider outdated or inappropriate practices and keep abreast of developments in liturgical celebrations.

Fr. Cyprian Silva, diocesan director of the Commission for Liturgy, led the opening prayer, while Fr. Francis Fernandes introduced the resource person. Fr. Stephen D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks.

The seminar sought to promote more meaningful and dignified liturgical celebrations by equipping clergy with a stronger understanding of sacred music and its place in the prayer life of the Church.

By Catholic Connect Reporter