Pics: Stanly Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady (SB)

Beltangady, Jan 13: The official curtain raiser for Catholic Maha Samavesha - 2020 took off with the blessing and laying of pole for Mantapa on Sunday, January 12, at Sacred Heart Church premises in Madanthyar.

Fr Joseph, vicar general of Beltangady diocese, blessed the pole and led the prayer meet. After the prayer meet he said, “Catholic Maha Samavesha -2020 will create history in the Catholic community of Dakshina Kannada. The Samavesha will show how we are united in nation building activities as well as a responsible community in society. It will be a great platform for religious, youth, women and students of our community to come together.”

"Catholic Maha Samavesha -2020 will be held on Sunday, February 2 in the premises of Sacred Heart Church, Madanthyar. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop, Mangalore Diocese will inaugurate the Samavesha. Dr Lawrence Mukkulzi, bishop of Beltangady Syro Malabar Diocese will deliver the key note address. Dr Gevargese Mar Makariyose, bishop of Puttur Syro Malankara Diocese will bless the event," he said. 

Catholic Sabha Mangaluru Pradesh, Indian Catholic Youth Movement, Diocesan Christian Councils of Catholic Women (DCCW) are the organisers of the event while Diocese of Mangaluru, Syro Malabar Diocese, Beltangady, Syro Malankara Diocese, Puttur are the joint organisers.

Speaking to Daijiworld, Rolphy D’Costa, president, Catholic Sabha Mangaluru Pradesh said, “With the motive of bringing Catholic youth, women leaders and religious under one roof, we are organising this Maha Samavesha. The conference will discuss our community’s existence in society, the issues, problems faced by our community members as well as solutions for the same will be discussed. Same time, the Samavesha also discusses the issues faced by Catholic youth in current society and the need for their active participation in bureaucracy, governmental sectors and leadership in politics.”

“We are expecting over 25,000 delegates from various corners of Dakshina Kannada and Kasaragod. Ronald Colaco, NRI entrepreneur and philanthropist, Dr Harsha, IPS, commissioner of Police, Mangaluru will grace the event. Ronald Fernandes, member, Karnataka State Public Service Commission and Lydia Lobo will participate in the event as resource persons. The Samavesha will start in morning at sharp 9 am and it will conclude at 3.30 pm,” he said.

“Various committees are formed for the success of this event. An exclusive office is opened for the purpose of Samavesha at Madanthyar Church. We are expecting delegates in large numbers. We are doing all arrangements to help delegates and in making this Samavesha a memorable one,” he added.

Fr Bonaventure Nazareth, vicar var of Beltangady deanery, Fr Basil Vas, parish priest of Sacred Heart Church, Fr Mathew Vas, spiritual director, Catholic Sabha Mangalore, Fr Ronald D'Souza, ICYM Mangalore Diocese and other priests graced the event.

Paul Rolphy D’Costa, president, Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh, Joel Mendonca, convener Catholic Maha Samavesha 2020, office bearers of different associations from different parishes were present.