Media Release 

Bengaluru, Nov 20: The archdiocese felicitated the newly nominated chairman and member of the Christian Development Council (CDC), Joylus D’Souza and B Yesudas respectively at a function here on Tuesday November 19.

Archbishop Peter Machado of Bengaluru and president of the Karnataka Region Catholic Bishops’ Council (KRCBC), while complimenting the young officers, called upon them to work zealously in fulfilling the aspirations of the minority community. Archbishop Machado also president of the All Karnataka United Christian Forum for Human Rights, assured them of his prayerful support and conveyed to them his good wishes. Dr Machado imparted his blessings for their successful service to the entire Christian Community in Karnataka.

Archbishop Emeritus, Bernard Moras who played a vital role as archbishop added meaning to the gathering. He passionately recalled the relentless efforts that were put in with the coordination of the regional bishops to make the CDC a reality. Dr Moras also urged the new office-bearers to make the CDC an effective channel by fairly allotting, without much hassle and hardship, the required funds that the government has set aside for the minority community.

Earlier, the programme commenced with a short prayer led by Fr Martin Anil, Assistant financial administrator. He invoked God’s blessings upon the august gathering, especially upon the office-bearers of the CDC. Fr Faustine Lobo, PRO–KRCBC, welcomed the gathering and made a few relevant and practical suggestions to help the new team to streamline the process of availing and disbursement of the government grants before the end of this fiscal year. "If it is not used fully, the remaining amount will be added to the next year’s allotment funds," added Fr Faustine.

After a brief interaction and queries from among the members present, Joylus D’Souza and Yesu Dass responded saying that the new office not only gives them honour but also impels them to perform their responsibility with greater commitment. They felt that it is truly challenging and yet greatly rewarding as their office would make them work for the benefit of the Christian community. They also assured that no effort would be spared to ensure that all benefits flow to the community unhindered. They reiterated that they would take the suggestions of all the bishops of Karnataka and the church leaders into confidence while formulating the new programmes and policies.

At this felicitation function, besides Msgr S Jayanathan and Msgr C Francis, several leaders representing various communities of the archdiocese joined the archbishop in extending their warm greetings of good wishes to the leaders.

J A Kanthraj, PRO and spokesperson of the archdiocese of Bengaluru proposed a vote of thanks. The short felicitation programme came to a close with a thanksgiving prayer and the blessing by the archbishops.