Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Aug 17: Well-known philanthropist and NRI entrepreneur Ronald Colaco was honoured with the title of 'Good Samaritan' by Mangaluru diocese in a ceremony held at the Bishop's House here on Thursday, August 17.
Fr Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, bishop of Mangaluru diocese presided over the honoring programme. Fr Dr Francis Serrao, bishop of Shimoga diocese was the chief guest. Vicar general of Mangaluru diocese Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu, MLA J R Lobo, MLC and chief whip of Karnataka Legislative assembly Ivan D’Souza, diocesan pastoral parishad secretary M P Noronha were present.
Conferring the title 'Good Samaritan of Mangaluru' to Ronald Colaco bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza said, "We are happy to felicitate Ronald Colaco and give him the title 'Good Samaritan of Mangaluru’. Many nations recognize him as a great social worker and philanthropist. He is decorated with many awards. He even received an invite from American president Donald Trump to join him for breakfast. He has made us Mangalureans proud. He is one of the best examples on how to touch others’ lives with good intention. He is a role model. He never thought about profit and loss in social service. He is the man who is truly following the teachings of Jesus in life. On behalf of the members of my diocese, I congratulate and wish him a great future and successful career. God bless all his projects which are focused on betterment of poor and needy."
Bishop Dr Francis Serrao said, "There goes a saying, an elephant needs no bell. Likewise, Ronald Colaco does not need any introduction. Everyone knows about his achievements and service. It is difficult to talk about him in a limited time. I thank the bishop of Mangaluru for felicitating Ronald. He deserves it.
"Ronald's service is filled with love. He has tried to make heaven on earth. He never built a wall, but the bridges between religions, cultures and humanity. He has given his best to construct a society filled with love. He is like a lamp who has given light to many lives. Let many more people walk in the footsteps of Ronald in the society," he added.
Ronald Colaco thanked the bishops of Mangaluru and Shivamogga and said, "I am very grateful to the bishops present here. I feel that I have not done something truly great to receive a title like 'Good Samaritan'. It is a great honor and which has touched me a lot.
"I am not doing any special service or social work. What I am doing is a part of my responsibility towards the society. The almighty has given us one chance to live in this world. We should utilize it and help the needy," he added.
"I am greatly impressed by the social service of missionaries, priests and nuns. Their sacrifices brought fame to the Christian community. They have always focused on the upliftment of the poor and exploited. I think we should follow them. They have revolutionised the field of education and hence, thousands have escaped from poverty and social exploitation," he concluded.
Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu read the citation.
MP Noronha welcomed the dignitaries and the gathering. Fr J B Crasta, parish priest of Rosario Cathedral, compered the programme. Fr Onil D’Souza rendered the vote of thanks.
The community leaders and representatives from various parishes of Mangaluru diocese were present in large number.