Media Release
Shivamogga, Jan 19: A week-long Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity from January 18 to 25, 2026, was inaugurated in the diocese of Shimoga. It is based on the theme from Saint Paul's Letter to the Ephesians: "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling" (4:4).
The inauguration was held at St Thomas CSI Church, Shimoga on January 18. Stevan Halli presided over the prayer meet, and Msgr Stany D'Souza, delegate of apostolic administrator for the diocese of Shimoga, preached a meaningful homily from the traditional pulpit. Reflecting on the theme of this year's Christian Unity Octave, ‘Light from Light, Towards Light', he spoke on Jesus as the Light of the World and invited everyone to live out the Light of Unity, the Light of Faith, and the Light of Service.
Around a hundred participated from both Sacred Heart Cathedral Shivamogga and St Thomas CSI parish. Also, there were religious sisters and pastors from Shimoga. Pastor Steven welcomed the gathering while Fr Simon Pinto, the director of Ecumenism, thanked all. At the end, refreshments were served.
Unity Octave prayers in the diocese of Shimoga
January 18 to 25, 2026 - Place
1. Sunday 18 at 5.30 pm - Inauguration Day: Prayer service presided over by Stephen Halli and preaching by Msgr Stany D' Souza at St Thomas CSI Church, Shimoga
2. Monday 19 at 10.30 am - 2nd Day: Prayer service presided over by Fr Joy Andrade and preaching by pastor Vinod at Little Flower Church, Shikaripura.
3. Tuesday 20 at 6.00 pm - 3rd Day: Prayer service presided over by Fr David Dellario and preaching by pastor Peter KV at St Anthony's Church, Shanti Nagara (Ragigudda), Shimoga.
4. Wednesday 21 at 5.30 pm - 4th Day: Prayer service presided over by Fr Steevan D'Sa and preaching by Fr Lancy D'Souza at Our Lady of Vailankanni Church, Old Town, Bhadravathi.
5. Thursday 22 at 5.30 pm - 5th Day: Prayer service presided over by Dr Joseph Arumachadath, bishop of Bhadravathi and preaching by Fr Steevan D'Sa at Infant Jesus Syro-Malabar Church, Moolekatte, Bhadravathi.
6. Friday 23 at 6.00 pm - 6th Day: Prayer service presided over by Fr Richard Anil D'Souza and preaching by pastor G Kumar, secretary, fellowship at St Joseph's Church, Sagar.
7. Saturday 24 at 5.30 pm - 7th Day: Prayer service presided over by Fr Lawrence D'Souza and preaching by Samson Balmi CSI at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Kargal.
8. Sunday 25 at 6.00 pm - Concluding Day: Prayer service presided over by Dr Duming Dias, apostolic administrator of Shimoga and preaching by Stephen Halli, CSI at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shimoga.