Bishop of Mangalore felicitates Speaker Shri U T Khader
Bishop’s ‘Bandhutva’ is inevitable to build community and unity: U T Khader
U T Khader is a Steel Man of DK, who united hearts and strengthened bonds of solidarity: Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha
Photos & Report by Fr Ani Fernandes, Canara Communication Centre, Mangaluru
MANGALURU, SEPT 16: “The ‘Bandhutva’ programme by Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, the bishop of Mangalore, is inevitable to build a community of love, peace and unity. I strive to realise his dream through the support of the Government,” said Shri U T Khader, Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, on September 16, 2023, at Bishop’s House, Kodialbail, Mangalore.
Shri U. T. Khader was addressing the Priests, Religious Sisters and Lay faithful of the Diocese of Mangalore at the felicitation programme organised by the Diocese of Mangalore.
“The Christian community has contributed a lot to the unity, fraternity and integral growth of the nation and society.”The education and noble values received in Catholic educational institutions have become a source of strength and instilled confidence in me,” said Khader.
Pavur Uliya Hanging Bridge Project: Reflecting on his past developmental endeavours, Khader attributed their success to the grace of God and the prayerful support of the people. He specifically highlighted his dedication to the Pavur Uliya Hanging Bridge project, assuring that it would receive top priority and government funding. “As your elder brother, I will gladly respond to the needs and demands of the common people if brought to my notice, Khader added.”
Felicitation to Shri Khader: Msgr. Very Rev. Maxim Noronha, Vicar General, extended warm greetings to Sri Khader with words of felicitation. Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha felicitated Shri U T Khader with a shawl, peta, garland and banquette of flowers along with Msgr. Very Rev. Maxim Noronha, Rev. Fr J B Saldanha, Mr Roy Castelino, PRO, Sr Sevrine Menezes, President, CRI, Rev. Fr Joseph Martis, Secretary of the Priests Council, Dr John Dsilva, Secretary of the Diocesan Pastoral Council, and Mr Alwyn Dsouza, President, Catholic Sabha, Mangalore®.
Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha hailed Shri Khader as the “Steel Man of South Canara.” He has united hearts and strengthened bonds of solidarity in the community. “I am overwhelmed to honour the icon of Mangalore who has elevated Mangalore’s reputation to new heights.”
Bishop Saldanha said, “Shri Khader has been very kind and affectionate. At every success, he approached me for blessings from God.”
The bishop stated that the vast Nehru Maidan with 24 acres of land at the heart of Mangalore was donated by a Catholic, Ms Rozina Sabina Coelho, and has become the center of solidarity and unity. The Kendra Maidan has been utilised for sports and other cultural and religious purposes. “This place has to foster “Bandhutva” making us more open-minded and peace-loving and removing hate culture and differences,” the bishop said.
Mr Alwyn Dsouza, along with all the office bearers of the Catholic Sabha, Mangalore® also felicitated Mr Khader with a bouquet of flowers.
Sr Cecilia Mendonca, Provincial Superior, Bethany, Mangalore, and Sr Marceline Braggs honoured Shri Khader with a bouquet of flowers.
Felicitation to Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha:
Mr Khader, along with all the dignitaries, felicitated Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, the bishop of Mangalore, on the 5th Anniversary of his episcopal ordination.
Very Rev. Fr Daniel Veigas OP, Episcopal Vicar for Religious, Mr. J. R Lobo, Ex-MLA, Members of the Pastoral Council, Priests, and Religious were also present.
Fr Rupesh Madtha, Editor, Raknno Weekly, led the prayer. Rev. Fr. J. B. welcomed the gathering and Mr Roy Castelino delivered the vote of thanks. Dr John Dsilva compared the programme.
