Daijiworld Media Network-Mangaluru (RJP)
Mangaluru, Aug 4: St Christopher Association completed fifty years of its existence recently. Members of the association will celebrate the Golden Jubilee at Don Bosco Hall in city on August 6 at 5.30 pm.
Mayor Kavitha Sanil will inaugurate the golden jubilee celebration. Bishop of Mangaluru diocese Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza will preside over the function while chief postmaster general Karnataka circle Bengaluru, Charles Lobo will be the chief guest. MLA J R Lobo and chief whip of Legislative Council Ivan D’Souza will grace the occasion as guests of honour. An entertainment programme titled ‘Maxim Nite’ led by Maxim Pereira will be held after the stage function.
Christopher Association office with hostel
Petrol Pump owned by Maco Cooperative Society
Present office-bearers
Journey of 50 years
St Christopher Association, known earlier as St Christopher Society, came into existence on March 3, 1967, to address the problems of Catholic vehicle owners and drivers. The main aim was to work for their welfare. The society took St Christopher, a friend of travellers, as their patron saint.
Then, 19-year-old auto driver Alphonso Fernandes took the first step towards the establishment of the society. He along with four driver friends, informed about their intention to the then bishop of Mangalore, Basil S D'Souza. The bishop encouraged them, but said that the strength of three or four people would not be sufficient for the prestigious project.
When the team met the bishop again after few days, more than a hundred enthusiastic single-minded youth and middle aged members were present. The bishop appointed his secretary Fr Fredrick Pereira as chaplain to guide the society. More than a hundred vehicles were blessed after the mass held at Kodialbail Chapel on July 30, 1967. The constitution for the society was approved on the same day.
The bishop was present during all the initial six meetings. He guided them with enthusiasm and encouraged them during the next thirty years. When St Christopher Society was being registered on December 27, 1975, it changed its name to St Christopher Association.
The creative work of other members and their unselfish service provided guidance to the members of the organization and their families. The association, therefore, became famous in the state showing that nothing is impossible in deed with single-minded effort.
Membership
Nearly 1,700 persons have been registered as members since inception, out of which 800 are alive. Out of 132 of the founder members, 21 are alive.
Maco Cooperative Society
Further, to explore more help and opportunities for members, shares were collected from well-wishers and Maco Cooperative Society was formed. The Maco Cooperative Society with its petrol pump and auto apparels, conducted business in crores and reached significant levels. Maco is known throughout the state as a model. MLC Ivan D’Souza is the present president of this Society.
Fourteen people were provided with auto rickshaws along with permits in their names, which was possible through the support and enthusiasm of members and good will.
Christopher Hostel
When it was seen that several poor workers who came to Mangaluru for work did not find suitable accommodation, 29 cents land with a house was bought near Rosario church in December 1981. The association spent another Rs 7 lac for the repairs and started St Christopher Hostel accommodating 100 workers.
As the association had only Rs 30,000 during the beginning of the project, it strengthened its financial position by getting interest-free loans extended by sponsors and the bishop. It also raised money by conducting lucky dips and by staging plays.
The projects, undertaken by the association, succeeded by members’ efforts, selfless service, help and cooperation from generous people and the blessings of their patron saint.
Office-bearers in 50 years
Albert D’Souza was the founder president. Joseph Mascarenhas and Blasius D’Souza who were chosen as presidents who served for 13 years and 23 years respectively.
Sushil Noronha served for eight years as president. Victor Menezes and Raymond D’Cunha served as presidents after that. Presently Harold D’Souza is the president.
Alphonse Fernandes, Sushil Noronha, Ronald Saldanha, Cyril Pinto, Victor J Menezes, Harold D’Souza and Denis D’Souza have served as secretaries at various times.
Fr Fred V Pereira, Fr John D'Souza, Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, Fr Mathew Vas, Fr Stany Tauro, Fr Cyprian Coelho, Fr Stany Goveas have served as spiritual directors in the past.
Founder member and secretary Alphonse Fernandes served 30 years as secretary of the association and is still active.
Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza is chief patron of the association.
Service to Society
The association has extended monetary help and assistance for spiritual well being of members which include the annual three-day retreats for the members and their families, Mass for the departed souls of members, parish-wise cricket tournaments between members, felicitation through family welfare fund to meritorious children of members who secure high marks, monetary help for higher studies, loan without interest, financial support to the families of members who pass away, and other monetary and spiritual help.
Bantwal Branch
St Christopher Association’s Bantwal branch also works hand in hand with the mother body. Bantwal branch with around 15 members has been operational for the past two years. This branch has built a house, and repaired two houses of needy people.
An office of the branch will be opened on August 13 and on the same day newly constructed houses for the poor will be blessed.
Present office-bearers
Sushil Noronha- honourary president, Fr J B Crasta – spiritual director and treasurer, Harold D’Souza – president, Francis D’Souza - vice-president, Nigel Pereira - secretary, and Leena D’Souza – joint secretary.
Future plans
“We have planned to construct a bus stand for the public, renovate St Christopher hostel which is 35 years old and construct houses for poor families,” says honourary president Sushil Noronha about future plans.