Media Release
Mangaluru, Jun 24: The first general body meeting and installation of the newly elected executive committee of the Catholic Action League (CAL), St Sebastian Church, Bendur, was held on June 21, in the Parish Hall. Prior to the meeting, the newly elected office bearers took their oath during the 8.00 am Holy Mass.
The meeting commenced with a prayer service led by Lenn Tauro and team. Ian Neil Pinto, president of CAL, welcomed the gathering and expressed his gratitude to all the members for their continued support and participation. The new term was formally inaugurated with the symbolic lighting of the lamp by Fr Walter D'Souza, Fr Arun Lobo, Vinod D’Souza and Ian Neil Pinto, signifying the beginning of a new year of leadership, service and fellowship.
Paloma Monteiro, the outgoing secretary, presented the annual report for the year 2025-26, while Deepthi Menezes, the outgoing treasurer, presented the statement of accounts for the same period.
Vinod D'Souza, animator of CAL, announced the names of the newly elected office bearers. The new executive committee members were formally installed by the director of CAL, Fr Walter D'Souza, who presented them with badges. President Ian Neil Pinto then unveiled the roadmap and action plan for the year 2026-27.
The newly elected executive committee for the year 2026-27 comprises:
• Ian Neil Pinto – President
• Lorenzo Fernandes – Vice president
• Ivin Sequeira – Lady vice president
• Shervin D'Souza – Secretary
• Joelle Saldana – Joint secretary
• Kriston Selvaraj – Treasurer
• Reevan D'Sa – Amcho Yuvak representative
• Jewel Cutinha – Cultural secretary
• Prithesh Sequeira – Sports secretary
• Lenn Tauro – Liturgical secretary
• Anna Maria Patrao – Media representative
• Avin D'Souza – Red Drop representative and Amcho Yuvak ECD representative
• Samuel Rodrigues – Immediate past president
• Paloma Monteiro – Co-opted member
• Joswin Pinto – Co-opted member
The outgoing executive committee members were felicitated in appreciation of their dedicated service rendered during the previous year. On the occasion, Fr Walter D'Souza was felicitated on his appointment as the dean of the Episcopal City Deanery (ECD), and Avin D'Souza was felicitated on being elected as the Yuvathare Representative for ECD.
The newly enrolled members of CAL were warmly welcomed into the association with the presentation of lighted candles, symbolizing their commitment to faith, leadership and service.
Addressing the gathering, Fr Walter D'Souza encouraged the youth to be creative, innovative and active witnesses of Christ in society. He exhorted them to use their talents for the service of the Church and community and inspired them to shine brightly through their faith and actions.
In his message, assistant director Fr Arun Lobo emphasized that every programme and activity of CAL should help members develop leadership qualities and become responsible citizens and committed Christians. He urged the youth to actively participate and grow together through service and fellowship.
Shervin D'Souza, secretary, proposed the vote of thanks. The meeting concluded with the singing of the CAL anthem.
Following the formal programme, various games and fun-filled activities were organized for the youth, fostering friendship, fellowship and team spirit among the members.