By Richard D'Souza
Udupi, Nov 2: A Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh Kallianpur deanery level convention was held at Sacred Heart Church campus, Kolalgiri near here on Sunday December 1.
Kallianpur deanery president, Santhosh Cornelio presided over the programme. The programme began with a welcome dance by the students, followed by an invocation prayer.
Stevan Prakash Lewis, past president of Catholic Sabha Kallianpur deanery and convener of the programme welcomed the gathering and spoke a remarkable keynote address.
Fr Dr Anil Prakash Castelino, spiritual director of Kolalgiri church unit inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp. In his inaugural address, Fr Anil Prakash Castelino pointed out the importance of laity contribution to society which is very much necessary today. He praised the role of the Catholic sabha in society.
Rosy Quadros, deanery secretary placed a long report of the Kallianpur deanery. 14 persons of Kallianpur deanery level were felicitated for their achievements during the academic year. They were Valentine D’Souza, Milagres, Vincent D’Souza Kolalgiri, Joyce Philomene D’Souza, Kemmannu, Joyline Nathaliaya D’Souza, Kemmannu, Joseph G M Rebello, Mount Rosary, Dr Kiran Kamal, Barkur, Gracious Lobo Sasthan, Dr Nisha Rebello Milagres, Olania Mascarenhas and Vian Mascarenhas of Milagres, Michael Sequira of Barkur, Nishil J, Shanil Mathias and Coral Lobo of Mount Rosary.
Former president of Catholic Sabha Mangaluru Pradesh, Alphonse D’Costa was the resource person of the programme. In his address, he briefed on vision, mission and objectives of Catholic Sabha. The Catholic Sabha, Udupi Pradesh is a three-tier organization, parish level, deanery level and central executive committee. Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh affiliated to All India Catholic Association. It has 51 parish units, five deanery units and one central executive committee. The genesis of Catholic Sabha paved the way for the laity's active role in the Catholic church as part of the initiative to participate in the Royal, prophetic and priestly mission of Jesus Christ.
He explained to the Catholic sabha members on the need for Catholic Sabha for empowerment, political awareness, career guidance, mediation and so on. Catholic Sabha guided and encouraged the community members to contest the elections and win places in the senate and syndicate of the Mangaluru University, it promotes the movement for providing basic needs to the marginalized families of the various parishes.
Fr Joseph Machado, parish priest of St Peter’s Church Pethri and deanery convener of the laity commission spoke on the role of the laity in society.
Meanwhile, Kiran Elroy Crasto and Valerian Fernandes, former presidents’ of Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh spoke during the occasion.
Alwyn Quadros, Kota president of Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh Central Committee in his address said, "Catholic Sabha is a totally empowered, egalitarian, harmonious society cherishing Christian ideals which empower all, with equal opportunities, particularly for the most backward, women, laity and economically and socially weaker section, upholding justice and Christian values, of fairness, service and sacrifice and strive to bring about social change by creating a harmonious society with continuous dialogue and involvement, love and respect among Christian and all other communities.
Santhosh Carnalio in his presidential address said that Catholic Sabha Kallianpur deanery is forefront in the diocese level under the guidance and support of all the units of the deanery. He appreciated all concerned for the outstanding arrangements during the convention especially by the Kolalgiri unit and others.
Janeview D’Souza compered the programme. Joint secretary Colaco proposed the vote of thanks. Fr Hermon Mascarenhas, assistant parish priest of Kolalgiri church, Barnes president of Kolalgiri Church unit, deanery officials and deanery unit presidents’ were present on the dais.
An entertainment programme was held after the stage programme followed by dinner served to all the participants.