A special program on the Constitution of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) was held on September 14, 2025, at the Sugyan Diocesan Pastoral Center, Kotnoor. The event was organized under the guidance of the Episcopal Regional Adviser and the Chair of the Karnataka Charismatic Renewal. The resource person, Mr. Santhosh Talachira, a member of the National Service Team, spoke on the central goals of CCR, highlighting the need to experience Baptism in the Holy Spirit, to understand and use the Charismatic gifts, to discover the power of prayer, to promote evangelisation, and to foster ongoing growth in holiness.
Mr. Cherian, addressing the participants, emphasized that charisms are gifts given by Jesus to the Church for service, to be lived in obedience to the Church. Bro. William assisted the team during the sessions. As part of the day’s proceedings, a new diocesan charismatic team was formed. Mr. Praveen Paul was chosen as Coordinator for Bidar, while Mr. Arogyaswamy from Shahabad was appointed as Coordinator for Gulbarga. The secretaries selected were Ms. Bini Shah for Bidar and Ms. Arathi Swamy from Cathedral Parish for Gulbarga. The treasurers elected were Mr. Arun for Bidar and Ms. Jija Sebastian from Cathedral Parish for Gulbarga.
The program was graced by the presence of several priests. Fr. Richard Pais, Director of Cross, represented Fr. Franklin and was present as the Spiritual Director of the team. Fr. Santhosh Bapu, Vicar General, and Fr. Clary D’Souza also participated in the event, along with 35 priests, religious sisters, and lay charismatic members from different parts of the diocese.
A highlight of the day was when Most Rev. Dr. Robert Miranda, Bishop of Gulbarga, blessed the newly formed team by laying hands on them, invoking the gift of the Holy Spirit. The celebration concluded with the Holy Eucharist, during which the Bishop reflected on the complete self-offering of Jesus—His head, hands, legs, and heart—and invited the faithful to examine themselves with the question: “Where are we standing?”
The event proved to be a moment of renewal, strengthening the faith and mission of the charismatic movement in the Diocese of Gulbarga.
