Pics: Kevin Rodrigues

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (WD)

Udupi, Jun 25: The annual general meeting and reunion of Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh was held at Milagres tri-centenary hall, Kallianpur on Sunday, June 24.

Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, bishop of Udupi diocese inaugurated the programme planting a sapling. Addressing the gathering he said, “Today the Catholic Church celebrates laity people’s day. Catholic Sabha is holding its annual meet with a purpose to serve the society. I am happy to say that Catholic Sabha has the maximum members in our diocese and this represents our strength in the society. But still, we have not been recognized in the outer society. We have only a few political leaders, established businessmen, and educational institutions from our community. Though we have ample opportunities, we find only handful of them from our community. We need to work towards this and represent our community in the society. Though many steps have been taken to train our youths, the end result is not what we expected. Though there are lots of hurdles to achieve our goal, let us strive hard and shine like the countless stars in the sky.”

Elroy Kiran Crasto, former president of Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh said, “We all are the followers of Lord Jesus Christ. By following His teachings, Catholic Sabha has rendered selfless service towards the society. We have been unconditionally supported by our bishop and we feel proud to have him with us. We are proud to say that Catholic Sabha has maximum membership. It stands second in membership, next to Catholic Sabha Mumbai Pradesh. This group of laity has worked towards the development of the community and has provided the service to the best. Also we have strived hard towards usage of government facilities given to us. Especially, our people have received benefits from Konkani Arogya card. Hence, Catholic Sabha has been working towards the overall development of the community.”

Chief guest Anil Lobo, former president, Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh in his address said, “This programme has come out well. We all have contributed a lot towards the society, but not been recognized enough. We are in a modernized world and have everything for our living, but are not that forward or known in the society. We need to improve our thinking style and mingle well with other communities. Udupi Catholic Sabha has an able leader in the form of the bishop. So let us change our thinking and work towards the betterment of our society.”

The website of Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh was launched by Wilfred D’Souza, Udupi district youth coordinator, and convener Ivan D'Souza spoke in brief about the website. The telephone directory of Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh (R) was unveiled by Fr Lawrence D'Souza, spiritual Director, Catholic Sabha Kallianpur deanery.

A book of stories by name ‘Novo Einstein’ written by Gerald Pinto (Jerry Niddodi) was unveiled on the occasion.

Francis Danthi memorial literature award was conferred on Alphonsus D'Souza, Brahmavar, by the bishop. Also, prizes were distributed to the winners of Denis D’Silva memorial article writing competition.

Achievers in various fields, Sr Jancitha Noronha, on receiving her postal stamp from Himanchal Pradesh government, Mervin Aranha, Shirva, on receiving Udupi district Rajoythsava Award for his acting skills, Wilson Olivera, on receiving Sandesha award for his service in Konkani singing and DelphineD’Souza on receiving National Anganwady Workers' Award from the ministry of Women and Child Development, government of India, at New Delhi, were honored on the occasion.

The annual report of the year 2016-17 was read out by Maxim D'Souza, general secretary Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh (R), and the annual report for the year 2017-18 was read out by Jacintha Colaco, former secretary of Catholic Sabha. Annual audit report of the year 2017-18 was read out by Jerald Rodrigues, treasurer, Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh (R), annual report of Manasa special school, Pamboor was read out by Hendry Menezes, president, Manasa special school, Pamboor, Sashaktha Samudhaya Seva Trust annual report was read out by Alice Rodrigues, secretary , Sashaktha Samudhaya Seva Trust.

Former president of Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh Valerian Fernandes expressed his gratitude towards all his colleagues and also thanked the bishop for his support and for helping them in all his works and gave brief details on the works conducted in his presidential period.

Addressing the gathering, Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves, spiritual director, Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh said, “Many people who spoke here have praised Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh for their service and I too appreciate the work of Catholic Sabha members who have worked selflessly for the society. I still take the example of Catholic Sabha when I speak on punctuality and discipline. We still have a long way to go and achieve our goals. I wish the very best to all the members for their work.”

President of Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh Alwyn Quadras said, “We have to go a long way towards serving the society. Being in Catholic Sabha is not important, but serving is more important. We have to serve the society in the path of Jesus Christ. Let us have passion and compassion towards serving. I except maximum support from all the members towards the same.”

President of Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh Alwyn Quadras presided over the function. Lancy D’Cunha, president, All India Catholic Union, Walter Cyril Pinto, Karnataka state president, All India Catholic Union, Rolphy D’Costa, president, Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh, Celestine D'Souza, secretary, Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh, and Soloman Alvares, former treasurer, Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh were present.

Santhosh Cornelio, president, Catholic Sabha, Kallianpur deanery, welcomed the gathering and Maxim D'Souza rendered the vote of thanks. Rosy Baretto, Kallianpur, and Lason D'Souza, Pethri compered the programme.