Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (RD/SB)

Bantwal, Apr 13: Under the aegis of Fudar Foundation, Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh organized Bantwal deanery convention at Infant Jesus parish, Modankap, here recently. In all 300 representatives of 27 parishes in across the Bantwal deanery and office-bearers of central executive committee attended the convention.

In his inaugural address, Dolphy D’Souza said that Christians are original natives who have embraced Christianity in order to lead dignified life and are prospering due to their hard work. The communal forces who are jealous of their prosperity are blaming Christians over conversion, he said.

Mangalore diocesan pastoral council secretary Gerald D’Costa, in his keynote address said that Christian’s population is dwindling steadily. The communal forces in order to create chaos in the society are blaming Christians’ of conversion, said Gerald D’Costa.  Meanwhile, he condemned the attack on communal forces over the recent attack on orphanages and education centres run by Christians.

Spiritual director Fr Vincent Monteiro appealed to the community, to fearlessly lead the life as per the teachings of Jesus Christ based on truth and always doing the good.

Catholic Sabha central executive committee president Walter Cyril Pinto called on the community, to pursue higher education and secure government employments rather than pursue overseas jobs, called on Walter Cyril Pinto.

Jaycees trainer Satish Bilinele urged the people in order to save the Netravati River as its sustaining agriculture and livestock in the Dakshina Kannada, since the state has proposed a plan to divert the water from Netravati River to Bangalore by building 40 check-dams from its origin at the foothill of Western Ghat –all along its flow.

It was decided to take the issue of diversion of Netravati River with the state authorities over its possible consequences on the farming community in the Dakshina Kannada and curb future incidences of attack by communal forces over the allegations on conversion. The key issues were presented by the convention chairperson Peter Gerry Rodrigues. 

Shivn Jalem Gadavn, Konkani skit was staged in order to strengthen the future of Konkani.

Bantwal deanery vicar Fr Roque D’Souza, Puttur deanery vicar Fr Gerald D’Souza and Agrar parish priest Fr Benjamin Pinto were also present.

Bantwal deanery president Joachim D’Souza welcomed the gathering. Secretary Joachim D’Souza Kadaba proposed the vote of thanks. Cyprian D’Souza and Herald D’Souza compered the programme.