The Church Unity Octave was a joint celebration of Shimoga Diocese and Bhadravathi Syro-Malabar Diocese, under the guidance of Bishop Francis Serrao S.J of Shimoga and Bishop Joseph Arumachadath of Bhadravathi. The Unity Octave was inaugurated on 18th of January 2024 at St. Thomas CSI Church, Shimoga with prayer service and breaking the Word. Several Pastors and priests beautifully organised the week. The Unity prayers were held at St. Joseph's Syro-Malabar Church, Shimoga (19th), Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Newtown Bhadravathi (20th), Infant Jesus Church, Sharavathi Nagar (21st), St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Sagar (22nd), Rehoboth Prayer Hall, Shiralakoppa (23rd), and Infant Jesus Syro-Malabar Church, Moolekatte, Bhadravathi (24th).
The Closing Prayer Service took place on January 25th 2024 at 6 pm. at Sacred Heart Cathedral presided over by the Bishop-elect of Karwar Diocese, Msgr. Duming Dias. A large number of priests, religious sisters, pastors, and faithful from different denominations were present. Fr. Stany D Souza, the parish priest of the cathedral welcomed the audience and stressed the need of unity among Christians. Rev. Paul Shinde, presbyter in charge of St. Thomas CSI Church Shivamogga, delivered a message based on the parable of the Good Samaritan. Msgr. Duming Dias after presenting his message gave the final blessings. Fr. Nelson Pinto OCD, secretary to the Commission for Ecumenism, who organised the entire week, thanked all for their support and cooperation.
