Media Release

Bahrain, Oct 22: The newly-elected executive committee members of the Karnataka Social Club, Bahrain, led by president Anand Lobo, met bishop of Northern Arabia, Aldo Berardi, at his office in the Sacred Heart Church premises in Manama on the morning of October 19.

Bishop Aldo Berardi warmly welcomed the group. Treasurer Sandra D'Costa presented the bishop with a bouquet of flowers on behalf of the members and executive committee of the club.

President Anand Lobo took the opportunity to invite the Bishop to the forthcoming induction ceremony of the newly elected executive committee, scheduled for November 22, at a prominent hotel. Lobo explained to the bishop the key roles, goals, and purpose of the club, which plays an active and important role among the Konkani community, primarily consisting of Catholic members from the West Coast of Karnataka, India. The club facilitates recreation, sports, and cultural activities at its premises in Manama. The bishop engaged in a pleasant discussion with the executive committee, familiarizing himself with the club’s activities and future plans. The bishop was pleased with the various initiatives of the club and praised the executive committee for their earnest efforts on behalf of its members.

The committee also informed the bishop that they would be inviting the bishop of Mangalore, Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, along with other prominent dignitaries from India, to participate in the club's executive committee induction ceremony. Bishop Berardi outlined the procedures and guidelines for Bishop Saldanha's visit to Bahrain, and Anand Lobo assured him that all protocols and government regulations would be adhered to.

Various matters of interest in the Middle East were also discussed, and Bishop Berardi offered the executive committee valuable advice, highlighting the guidelines to be followed by expatriate clubs and associations in Bahrain from a religious perspective.

The meeting was a heart-warming and blessed occasion for the executive committee, as they met the Shepherd of the Catholic flock in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The bishop assured them that he would visit the club premises someday. At the end of the memorable meeting, the committee members sought the bishop's blessings and expressed their gratitude for his precious time and the opportunity to meet with him.