Media Release
Mangaluru, Sep 5: The installation ceremony of the Konkani Catholic Lawyers Guild was a landmark occasion, combining solemn ritual with vibrant celebration, and highlighting the Guild’s commitment to integrity and justice in the legal profession.
Red Mass at St Antony's Ashram Chapel
The day began with the red Mass at St Antony’s Ashram Chapel, Jeppu. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangalore, along with nine priest concelebrants.
In his homily, the bishop invoked the holy spirit upon the lawyers, praying that they may be blessed with wisdom like Solomon. He urged advocates to “stand for truth — for where there is truth there is love; where there is love there is truth,” thereby setting the spiritual tone for the day’s theme of integrity and service.
Installation ceremony at Sambhram Hall
Following the Mass, the installation ceremony took place at Sambhram Hall, St Antony’s Ashram. The bishop administered the oath of office to the newly elected Executive Committee and Council members for the 2025–2027 term.
President: Sushanth C A Saldanha
Vice presidents: Aloysius S Lobo and Richard Costa M
Treasurer: Rakesh Mascarenhas
Secretary: Lolina D’Souza
Joint secretary: Zita Priya Moras
Cultural secretary: Reshma Priya D’Souza
Liturgical secretary: Sr Lynet Priya D’Souza
Other council members also assumed office with a commitment to serve the Guild and the wider community.
Honouring patron and felicitations
The Guild’s patron saint, St Thomas More renowned as a model of professional integrity was honoured during the ceremony. Notable achievers were also felicitated:
Remona Evette Pereira, Golden Book of Records holder in Bharatanatyam
Richard Costa M, president of Dakshina Kannada and Bantwal Bar Associations
M P Noronha, principal Government Pleader
Past president Santhosh Peter D’Souza was specially thanked for his dedicated service, while the newly elected president was encouraged to lead with vision and integrity.
Community participation and guests
The event witnessed the participation of around 150 people, including heads of institutions, association leaders, and community representatives. Special guests included Fr J B Crasta, spiritual animator of the Guild; Fr Melwin Pinto SJ, rector of St Aloysius College; Elias Fernandes; Naveen D’Souza; Anil Lobo; and several other dignitaries, whose presence added grace and support to the occasion.
Ceremony highlights
Sushanth C A Saldanha, the newly installed president, delivered the welcome address, while Lolina D’Souza, secretary, proposed the vote of thanks.
The ceremony concluded on a note of unity, celebrating the lawyers’ vocation to uphold truth, love, and justice, and reaffirming their role in serving society with dignity and fairness.