Pics: Anush Pandith/Stanly Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Apr 22: The 20th annual day celebration of parish unit of the Catholic Sabha of St Lawrence Parish, Bondel, was held on the evening of Sunday, April 21.
Parish priest Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza presided over the programme. Fr Vijay Victor Lobo, PRO and Procurator of Mangaluru and Lancy D’Cunha, president, All India Catholic Union (AICU), were the chief guests.
Fr Clifford Pinto , principal, St Lawrence English Medium School, Fr Cyril Lobo, assistant parish priest, Rolphy D’Costa, president, Catholic Sabha Central Committee , Henburt Pinto, vice-president , Parish Council, Wilfred Alvares and Hilda Fernandes were present on the dais.
In his speech Fr Vijay said “Catholic Sabha is not an association of people or leaders. In one or the other way, we Catholics are members of this association. It is a union of us which projects us in society as a strong community. Definitely Catholic Sabha provides a platform to leadership within the community. I am glad to attend the annual day of Catholic Sabha’s Bondel unit. The co-operation and understanding between each other has helped you to complete fruitful 20 years. It should continue in the upcoming years and become a model unit for others. I congratulate the director and all office bearers of the unit and wish them fruitful years ahead. “
In his presidential speech Fr Andrew said, “I appreciate Bondel parishioners for their service mind and spirit of unity. I already noticed that this parish has enough leaders and talents in various sectors. It reflects in every programme and project. Catholic Sabha is one of the prime organizations in our parish that is engaged in various social activities. It is very good in preparing leaders from our community. But it needs more members. So I request youths to join this association in large numbers. It will make our association as well as parish stronger,“
In his speech Rolphy D’Costa hailed the activities of Bondel unit and congratulated its members for their achievements in various fields.
Later, after the stage programme, as a part of entertainment, musical nite “O La Re” led by Stephan Cutinha and Shilpa Cutinha was held. The local talents mesmerized the gathering by their innovative and adventurous dance steps choreographed by well-known dancer, TV anchor and serial actress Shanthi Priya Lasrado, Bondel.