Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network-Mangaluru (RJP)
Mangaluru, Aug 7: Members of St Christopher Association celebrated the Golden Jubilee at Don Bosco Hall in city on August 6.
Mayor Kavitha Sanil inaugurated the golden jubilee celebration. Honourary president Sushil Noronha welcomed the dignitaries and gathered people.
Kavita Sanil lauded the association for its contribution to society in the last 50 years and asked the members to be united always in future.
Bishop of Mangaluru diocese Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza presided over the function. MLA J R Lobo and chief whip of Legislative Council Ivan D’Souza were guests of honour. Spiritual director and treasurer Fr J B Crasta, president Harold D’Souza, vice- president Francis D’Souza, secretary Nigel Pereira, joint secretary Leena D’Souza, founder secretary Alphonse Fernandes graced the stage during the stage function.
Fr J B Crasta narrated the life of St Christopher and explained how piously he lived in the footsteps of Jesus Christ and became the patron of travellers. “St Christopher was made the patron of travellers by the Holy Church. He is regarded throughout the world as the protector of travellers. He himself experienced the difficulties of travellers. He also showed how to live a life happily by facing all the trials and tribulations. St Christopher believed that life is also a journey before we reach God. I am happy to note that St Christopher Association is emulating the saint in deeds.”
J R Lobo in his address called upon the members how to remain committed to the good work despite hearing criticism. “Criticism is common in social service. People may accuse of wrong things when you do selfless service. But that is part of the deal. You should concentrate on your service-minded approach to work. You people have followed the same, and you have reached the important milestone today.”
MLC Ivan D’Souza, who is also the president of Maco Cooperative Society, an initiative of St Christopher Association, said, “I remember my college days when I was struggling to find accommodation in city. I could not be accommodated at St Christopher Hostel as I was a student. But hostel life taught me so many things. I am a fighter from years because of my hostel life. I have seen how much the association helps in providing accommodation to needy workmen. Maco cooperative Society too has followed the principles of St Christopher Association. We have not changed our motto of service in spite of pressure on us to make the society a profit motive one. I have already arranged to provide grant to the association from the government.”
Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza recalled his association with St Christopher Association. “I was part of the association as spiritual director for some years. But I remember more of the services of others like Fr Fred V Pereira, other spiritual directors, office-bearers and members of the association who has brought it to the golden jubilee level. God rewards those people who work tirelessly for the society. Your reward may not come in material form. But God has something for our service. Let us walk on the path Jesus wants us to walk.”
All the office bearers from the past were felicitated which included founder members who are living now.
A souvenir on the golden jubilee was inaugurated.
Bishop was honoured for his guidance and inspiration to St Christopher as spiritual director earlier and as bishop and chief patron for the past 21 years. Herry D'Souza read out the citation.
Francis D’Souza proposed vote of thanks. Nigel Pereira presented the golden jubilee report with brief history. Roshan Madtha Compeered.
Earlier during the day Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza offered thanksgiving Mass at Rosario Cathedral. Fr J B Crasta, Fr Anil Fernandes, Fr Rocky Fernandes and Fr Vincent D’Souza concelebrated the Mass.
Vehicles were blessed by the bishop later. Many rickshaws belonging to St Christopher Association members were among the vehicles blessed.
‘Maxim Nite’ as entertainment bonanza was held after the stage programme.
‘Comedy Express’ team comprising Shawn Rodrigues, Sunil Bajal, Noel and Jerald Towers sent the crowd into nonstop laughter with their 3 comedy skits.
Maxim Pereira, Rony Crasta, Joseph Mathias, Rynel Sequeira, Denora Fernandes, Chrismitha D’Costa and Renston Fernandes rendered the songs.
Ashwin Sequeira, Leon Patrao, Renston Fernandes, Maclean D’Souza, Prajwal Fronteiro and Patrick Pereira played instruments.
Manu Bantwal compered the musical nite part of the event.
St Christopher Association, a journey of 50 years
St Christopher Association, known earlier as St Christopher Society, came into existence on March 3, 1967, to address the problems of Catholic vehicle owners and drivers. The main aim was to work for their welfare. The society took St Christopher, a friend of travellers, as their patron saint.
When St Christopher Society was being registered on December 27, 1975, it changed its name to St Christopher Association.
The creative work of other members and their unselfish service provided guidance to the members of the organization and their families. The association, therefore, became famous in the state showing that nothing is impossible in deed with single-minded effort.
Nearly 1,700 persons have been registered as members since inception, out of which 800 are alive. Out of 132 of the founder members, 21 are alive.
Maco Cooperative Society
Further, to explore more help and opportunities for members, shares were collected from well-wishers and Maco Cooperative Society was formed. The Maco Cooperative Society with its petrol pump and auto apparels, conducted business in crores and reached significant levels.
Christopher Hostel
When it was seen that several poor workers who came to Mangaluru for work did not find suitable accommodation, 29 cents land with a house was bought near Rosario church in December 1981. The association spent another Rs 7 lac for the repairs and started St Christopher Hostel accommodating 100 workers.
The projects, undertaken by the association, succeeded by members’ efforts, selfless service, help and cooperation from generous people and the blessings of their patron saint.
The association has extended monetary help and assistance for spiritual well being of members which include the annual three-day retreats for the members and their families, Mass for the departed souls of members, parish-wise cricket tournaments between members, felicitation through family welfare fund to meritorious children of members who secure high marks, monetary help for higher studies, loan without interest, financial support to the families of members who pass away, and other monetary and spiritual help.
St Christopher Association’s Bantwal branch also works hand in hand with the mother body. Bantwal branch with around 15 members has been operational for the past two years. This branch has built a house, and repaired two houses of needy people.