The Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh (R) Bondel Unit holds the Silver Jubilee Closing Ceremony
Mangaluru, March 31, 2024: St. Lawrence Church in Bondel, the Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh (R) Bondel Unit, had its Silver Jubilee Closing Ceremony.
Thanksgiving Mass was offered at 9:00 a.m. in the morning by Rev. Fr. Andrew Leo D’Souza and Rev. Fr Vincent Saldanha. The liturgy and choir were led by the members of the Catholic Sabha.
At 6:00 p.m. on March 31, the Silver Jubilee of the Catholic Sabha, Bondel Unit, Mangaluru, concluded with a ceremony at the St. Lawrence English Medium School grounds. The program began with a prayer hymn, which was followed by an ICYM & YCS youth welcoming dance.
The Vice President, Mr Herold Pinto, Catholic Sabha Bondel Unit, welcomed everyone graciously. The program was inaugurated by Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, a revered tradition symbolizing enlightenment, alongside distinguished guests on the dais.
Secretary Veronica Pais gave a brief report of the Bondel unit for the past 25 years, and she also gave a report of the activities during the Silver Jubilee year.
Mr Herold Pinto Vice President Catholic Sabha Bondel Unit, V. Rev Fr James D’Souza, Vicar Forane City Varado, Rev Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, Parish Priest, Bondel, Guest of Honour Mr Alwyn D’Souza, President Catholic Sabha Central Committee, Mr Wilfred Alvares President, Mrs Wilma Monteiro Secretory City Varado, Mr Stephen D’Silva President Elect, Mr Sujay D’Silva Convener Jubilee Committee, Rev Fr Peter Gonsalves Principal St Lawrence English Medium School, Rev Fr Lancy D’Souza, Mr John D’Silva President Parish Pastoral Council, Mr Santosh Misquith Secretory Parish Pastoral Council, Mrs Veronica Pais-Secretory Catholic Sabha Bondel Unit welcomed the guests with floral bouquets.
In his inaugural speech, Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, the Spiritual Director of the Catholic Sabha Bondel Unit, said, “The Catholic Sabha is the face of our community in our society. The members of the Catholic Sabha are the volunteers of the Catholic community who always spread goodness to society, which comes from Catholic principles, values, and morals. At the same time, in the community, they are like soldiers who are always ready to help the members of the Catholic community.
The past 14 presidents and 13 secretaries were felicitated by the guests on dais. The achievements of the past presidents were read by Mrs Juliet Dante and Mrs Prema.
In his address, Mr. Alwyn D’Souza, President of the Central Committee, stated: “As Catholic Sabha members, we are called upon to be positive change representatives, fighting for the rights and dignity of all of God’s children, regardless of their race, creed, or socioeconomic status.” In a world full of unfairness and inequality, let us make an effort to be voices of conscience and ceaselessly work towards creating a society that is more compassionate and just for coming generations.
Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, the guest of honor Congratulated the Catholic Sabha members for continued success and fulfillment in all their endeavors. May your work with the Catholic Sabha continue to bear fruit, and may you always find joy and fulfillment in serving others.
The Catholic Sabha Bondel Unit honored Mr. Felix Monteiro for his outstanding service and Mr. Stany Alvares, President of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, for his future endeavors.
Mr Stany Alvares said: Together, let us celebrate the beauty and richness of Konkani language and literature, and let us work towards a future where Konkani shines brightly on the literary stage.
Rev. Fr James Dsouza Vicar Forane said in his speech: I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of you on reaching this significant milestone. Over the past quarter century, the members of the Catholic Sabha have embodied these words in their tireless efforts to serve the Church and the wider community, and he wished them good.
Mr Wilfred Alvares, President of City Varado, in his address congratulated the Catholic Sabha for the good work. As we embark on this journey together, let us remember the noble mission that unites us: to serve our community with love, compassion, and unwavering faith.
Mr Herold Pinto and Sujay D’Silva presented the mementos to the guests. Mr Colin Miranda proposed a vote of thanks. The program was compered by Mrs Olivia D’Sa.
After the stage program, there was a comedy drama by Nellu Permannur & team. People gathered in large numbers, laughing and enjoying themselves throughout the entirety of the show.
Photography: Roy
Report: Meena Serrao Barboza
