Media Release
Mangaluru, June 29: The Laity Day celebration organised by the Diocese of Mangalore was held under the leadership of Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangalore. The event saw the participation of vice presidents and secretaries from all churches under the diocese, current and former presidents and vice presidents of various panchayats, current and former members of district, taluk and gram panchayats, presidents and office-bearers of cooperative societies and institutions, and elected representatives.
Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha expressed his joy and congratulated renowned senior advocate M P Noronha on being appointed as the principal district government advocate for Dakshina Kannada by the Government of Karnataka. He remarked that M P Noronha stands as a role model for how a person trained in law can tackle complex legal matters with intelligence, determination, dedication and hard work.
The victories in various cases, including the one involving Hotel Moti Mahal, Mangaluru’s first three-star hotel in undivided Dakshina Kannada district, are a testament to this. He praised Noronha for delivering justice sincerely to the diocese, institutions and the general public through his wisdom, sincerity and hard work.
On this occasion, the bishop also felicitated the presidents and vice presidents of panchayats from Dakshina Kannada and Kasaragod regions, along with presidents of various cooperative banks and societies.
In his address, he emphasised that if every individual leads a successful life through selfless service, society as a whole will benefit. He called upon elected representatives to continually strive to serve the people.
Wilfred D’Souza explained how one can actively engage in the Panchayat Raj system and elaborated on the rights and duties of panchayat members. Roy Castelino coordinated and moderated the session.
Fr J B Crasta, secretary of the laity commission and director of St Antony’s Charitable Institutions, welcomed the gathering. Ida proposed the vote of thanks, and Pramila Peris conducted the event.
The event was graced by several dignitaries including Fr Praveen Martis, administrator of St Antony’s Charitable Institutions, Santosh D’Souza – president of the central committee of Catholic Sabha, media advisor Elias Fernandes, Anil Lobo – president of MCC Bank, former presidents of Catholic Sabha Rolfie D’Costa, Stany Lobo, Dennis D’Silva, Santosh D’Costa, and others.