Catholic Sabha, Bondel Unit Hosts Exciting Inter-Parish Volleyball Tournament in Aid of St Lawrence Kannada Medium School Education

May 22, 2025

Bondel, Mangaluru – May 18, 2025: The Catholic Sabha, Mangalore Pradesh (R), Bondel Unit organized a vibrant Inter-Parish Volleyball Tournament at St Lawrence School Ground, Bondel, with the noble intention of supporting education at St Lawrence Kannada Medium School. The event, which commenced at 9:00 a.m., brought together sportsmanship and service in an inspiring community gathering.

The day began with an opening prayer led by Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, Parish Priest and Spiritual Director of the Catholic Sabha. The tournament was officially inaugurated by Chief Guest Mr Pradeep D’Souza, Deputy Director of Youth Empowerment & Sports, Dakshina Kannada and Mangaluru.

Mr Sujay D’Silva, President of the Bondel Unit, extended a warm welcome to the dignitaries by presenting mementos as tokens of appreciation. He also warmly greeted the audience and participants.

In his keynote address, Mr Pradeep D’Souza encouraged the youth to pursue government service, highlighting its stability, security, and potential to serve the community and the nation. He urged them to stay informed, prepare diligently, and take full advantage of the opportunities and training provided by various government initiatives.

Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, in his message, commended the Catholic Sabha’s commitment to education and community service. Recalling their generous donation of desks to the school last year, he shared that the Sabha plans to distribute school uniforms this year, reinforcing their dedication to student welfare. He praised their selfless efforts and wished them continued success.

Other dignitaries present on the dais included:

Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal, St Lawrence English Medium School
Mrs Helen Fernandez, Headmistress, St Lawrence Kannada Medium School
Mr John D’Silva, Vice President, Parish Pastoral Council
Mr Santosh, Secretary, Parish Pastoral Council

Evening Prize Distribution Ceremony:
The Chief Guests for the evening were:

Rev. Fr William D’Souza, Outgoing Assistant Parish Priest
Mr Stany Alvares, President, Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy
Mr Arun D’Souza, President, Catholic Sabha City Deanery
Mr Sujay D’Silva, President, Bondel Unit
Mrs Olivia D’Sa, Secretary, Bondel Unit
Mr Manish Mascarenhas, Tournament Convener

A total of 16 parishes from the Mangalore and Udupi Dioceses participated.

First Prize of ₹25,000 and a trophy: Pangla Parish (Udupi Diocese)
Second Prize of ₹15,000 and a trophy: Maniyampare Parish (Mangalore Diocese)
Individual awards were also presented for Best All-Rounder, Best Smasher, and Best Setter.
Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves distributed the prizes.

Mr Wilfred Alvares ably compered the event, and Mrs Olivia D’Sa proposed the vote of thanks. Special appreciation was extended to:

Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves for providing the school ground and his support
Mr Henry Menezes and Mrs Lorina for their efforts in developing the volleyball court
Mr Rudy Pinto for maintaining cleanliness and ground upkeep
Mr Manesh Mascarenhas, Mr Vinod Pinto, Jason Fernandes, and Alrick D’Silva along with all Catholic Sabha members for their valuable contributions

As a mark of gratitude, Rev. Fr William D’Souza was felicitated with a garland, shawl, and memento for his dedicated service over the past year.

The tournament concluded with a heartfelt thanksgiving hymn, leaving the community enriched and united.

Photography: Jason Fernandes
Report: Meena Serrao Barboza