Mangalore: Bishop felicitates diocesan catechism exam toppers
Pics: Stanley Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (VM)
Mangalore, Mar 3: As many as 120 toppers of diocesan catechism standard X examination were felicitated by Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore diocese at a programme held at Shanthi Kiran, Bajjodi on Sunday March 3.
The awards to the students were given by Bishop along with a Bible as a gift on his behalf.
During the stage programme, Prof Charles Pais was the chief guest while Bishop Aloysius D’Souza presided over the function.
In his presidential address, Bishop lauding students for their achievement in Catechism asked students to inculcate the habit of reading in them through which the latest knowledge on church activities, society, nation can be gained.
In this year which is dedicated as Year of Faith, he called upon students to build faith in god. "Do not forget the knowledge you have gained through catechism class. Use those values in your life," said the Bishop asking students to feel proud of being Catholics.
"These days elders guide their children in all fields except in Catechism which is sad," said the Bishop stating that values taught during Catechism class will help students in leading a good life.
Prof Charles Pais wishing toppers of Catechism examination asked them to inculcate those values in their lives. He also lauded Mangala Jyothi in taking the initiative of teaching Catechism to students.
On the occasion, Bishop released two books namely ‘Bavarthaso Sambram’ by Fr Boniface Pinto, director of Mangala Jyothi and ‘Krista Preethi’, which comprises Kannada plays based on the Bible by Richard Alvares. Both the books were published by Mangala Jyothi.
Prior to the felicitation ceremony, a session for parents and the top scorers was delivered by Judith Pinto, St Aloysius College on the topic ‘Role of parents in promoting values in children in a media-dominated world’. The session was followed by a Eucharistic celebration offered by the Bishop.
Fr Vijay Machado, director designate of Mangala Jyothi welcomed the gathering, Shelton Crasta compered while Fr Boniface Pinto, director of Mangala Jyothi delivered the vote of thanks.
Fr Naveen Pinto, Fr Vijay Victor Lobo, Fr Wilson D’Souza, Fr Lawrence Mendonca, Fr Benjamin Lobo, Fr Edwin Correa among others were present.