Media Release
Udupi, Feb 22: Having a clear goal in the service we undertake enables us to emerge as good leaders, said Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Apostolic administrator of the Udupi diocese.
He was speaking after inaugurating a gathering of Christian political leaders and workers organised on Sunday at Anugraha Pastoral Centre, Kakkunje. The programme was jointly organised by the Udupi Diocesan Political Committee, the Commission for the Laity, and Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh.
Bishop Lobo said the Christian community possesses its own strength, and there is a need to channel that strength constructively within the community to nurture effective leaders. With local body elections approaching, the community must demonstrate its strength through capable leadership. In this regard, he stressed the need to undertake awareness programmes at the grassroots level in the coming days.
Social worker Veronica Cornelio, who attended as a resource person, said that the love and encouragement shown by the people while serving in the political field inspires leaders to work with greater dedication.
Former Zilla Panchayat president Gerald Fernandes said that when leaders work in unity and stand for the poor and the downtrodden, people themselves recognise and support them. Addressing public grievances and finding solutions, he noted, helps one emerge as a true leader.
Political leaders Seema Margaret D’Souza, Judith Mendonca, and Roshni Oliveira shared their experiences in public service.
The programme was presided over by Ronald D’Almeida, president of Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh. Dr Gerald Pinto, convenor of the Commission for the Laity, presented the action plan for the coming year. Joaquim Pinto moderated the interactive session.
Among those present on the dais were Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves, Spiritual director of Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh; president-designate Louis D’Souza; Mary D’Souza, vice-president of the Political Reflection Committee; general secretary Michael Rodrigues; and Mabel D’Souza.
Vinod Crasto, convenor of the Political Committee, welcomed the gathering, Dr Gerald Pinto proposed the vote of thanks, and Shanti Pereira compered the programme.