Media Release

Mangaluru, Apr 1: The Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh, Bondel unit had its Silver Jubilee closing ceremony on March 31 at St Lawrence Church in Bondel.

Thanksgiving Mass was offered in the morning by Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza and Fr Vincent Saldanha. The liturgy and choir were led by the members of Catholic Sabha.

The Silver Jubilee of the Catholic Sabha, Bondel unit, Mangaluru, concluded with a ceremony at the St Lawrence English Medium School grounds in the evening. The programme began with a prayer hymn, which was followed by an ICYM & YCS Youth welcoming dance. 

The vice president Herold Pinto, Catholic Sabha Bondel Unit, welcomed everyone graciously, The programme was inaugurated by 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 the brief report of the Bondel unit for past 25 years and she also gave the report of the activities during the silver jubilee year.

Herold Pinto, vice president, Catholic Sabha Bondel Unit, Fr James D’Souza, vicar forane, City Varado, Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, parish priest, Bondel, guest of honour Alwyn D’Souza, president, Catholic Sabha Central Committee, Wilfred Alvares, president, Wilma Monteiro, secretary, City Varado, Stephen D’Silva, president elect, Sujay D’Silva, convener, Jubilee Committee, Fr Peter Gonsalves, principal, St Lawrence English Medium School, Fr Lancy D’Souza, John D’Silva, president, Parish Pastoral Council, Santosh Misquith, secretary, Parish Pastoral Council, Veronica Pais, secretary, Catholic Sabha, Bondel Unit welcomed the guests with floral bouquets.

In his inaugural speech, Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, the spiritual director of Catholic Sabha Bondel Unit said, “Catholic Sabha is the face of our community in our society. The members of Catholic Sabha are the volunteers of Catholic community who always spread goodness to the society which comes from Catholic principle, values and morals. At the same time in the community, they are like soldiers who are always ready to help the members of Catholic community."

The past 14 presidents and 13 secretaries were felicitated by the guest on dais, The achievements of the past presidents were read by Juliet Dante and Prema .

In his address, 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."

Fr Peter Gonsalves , the guest of honour, 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," he wished.

Catholic Sabha, Bondel Unit honoured Felix Monteiro for his outstanding service and Stany Alvares, president of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy for his future endeavors.

Stan 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."

Fr James Dsouza in his speech said, 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.

Wilfred Alvares, president, City Varado, in his address, congratulated 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," he said.

Herold Pinto and Sujay D’Silva presented the mementos to the guests. Colin Miranda proposed a vote of thanks. The programme was compered by Olivia D’Sa .

After the stage programme, there was a comedy drama by Nellu Permannur & team. People gathered in big numbers, laughing and enjoying themselves throughout the entirety of the show.