Report and pics: Fr Anil Fernandes, CCC

Mangaluru, Oct 6: As part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Mangalore Catholic Diocesan Pastoral Parishad (DPP), which includes Dakshina Kannada and Kasaragod districts, a planning meeting of Diocesan leaders was held on Thursday, October 6, here in Bishop’s House.

Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore gave momentum to the preparations for the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the DPP by releasing a letter of appeal for the souvenir. Addressing the meeting, Bishop Peter Paul said, “This Pastoral Parishad has worked hard to bring noteworthy growth and change in the Church in Mangaluru in the last 50 years. The sacrifices of priests, religious and lay faithful are of great significance.” He further said that this celebration will be a great event that shows the direction to the next generation.

In his introductory address, M P Noronha, convener of the programme said, “As the Pastoral Parishad in Mangalore Diocese completes 50 years, the Bishop has invited to celebrate this event in every parish. Various religious and community leaders have been included in the committee to ensure the success of the Golden Jubilee celebrations as well as the subsequent projects that will be undertaken in the Diocese”.

Noronha further noted that a Diocesan-level celebration will be held at Father Muller's Convention Centre on December 10, and many special dignitaries have been invited. Around 2,000 representatives of the Diocese will be participating in this event.

The committee members Dr J B Saldanha, Roy Castelino, Fr Rupesh Madtha, Fr Anil Ivan Fernandes and Luvi Pinto briefed about the event details and their responsibilities. 

Msgr Maxim L Noronha, vicar general, Fr Denis Moras Prabhu, the former vicar general, Fr Vijay Victor Lobo, diocesan financial administrator, the vicar foranes Fr Vincent Monteiro, Fr Austine Peris, Fr James D’Souza, Fr Marcel Saldanha, Fr Onil D’Souza, Fr Ivan Rodrigues, and Fr Valerian D’Souza were present.

Fr J B Crasta, diocesan secretary of Laity Commission, Stany Lobo, president, Catholic Sabha, previous Pastoral Parishad secretaries Susheel Noronha, Valerian Moras, Richard Menezes and L J Fernandes shared their valuable suggestions.

The office bearers of ICYM, RACHANA - Catholic Chamber of Commerce & Industry were also present.

Sr Cicilia Mendonca B S, provincial superior of Bethany, Mangaluru, led the prayer service. Dr John D’Silva, DPP secretary welcomed the gathering and Fr Rupesh Madtha compared the programme.