Catholic Sabha Bondel celebrates Silver Jubilee

By Meena Serrao Barboza
Pics: Roy
Bellevision Media Network

Mangaluru, 01 Apr 2024: On March 31, 2024, at St. Lawrence Church in Bondel, the Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh (R) Bondel Unit had its Silver Jubilee Closing Ceremony.

 

Thanksgiving Mass was offered at 9.00 a.m.  in the morning by Rev. Fr. Andrew Leo D’Souza and Rev. Fr Vincent Saldanha. The liturgy & choir was led by the Members of Catholic Sabha.

 

At 6:00 p.m. on the same day, the Silver Jubilee of the Catholic Sabha, Bondel unit concluded with a ceremony at the St. Lawrence English Medium School grounds. The programme began with a prayer hymn, which was followed by an ICYM & YCS Youth welcoming dance.

 

The Vice President Mr Herold Pinto Catholic Sabha Bondel Unit, welcomed everyone graciously. The programme was inaugurated by Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, a revered tradition symbolizing enlightenment, alongside distinguished guests on the dais.

 

 

Secretary Veronica Pais, gave the brief report of the Bondel  unit for the past 25 years and she also gave the report of the activities during the silver jubilee year.

 

Guests were, Mr Herold Pinto Vice President Catholic Sabha Bondel Unit, V. Rev. Fr James D’Souza, Vicar  Forane City Varado, Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, Parish Priest, Bondel, Guest of Honour Mr Alwyn D’Souza - President Catholic Sabha Central Committee, Mr Wilfred Alvares President & Mrs Wilma Monteiro Secretory City Varado, Mr Stephen D’Silva President Elect, Mr Sujay D’Silva Convener Jubilee Committee,  Rev Fr Peter Gonsalves Principal St Lawrence English Medium School, Rev. Fr Lancy D’Souza, Mr John D’Silva President Parish Pastoral Council, Mr Santosh Misquith Secretory Parish Pastoral Council. Mrs Veronica Pais – Secretory Catholic Sabha Bondel Unit welcomed the guests with floral bouquets.

 

In his inaugural speech Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza the Spiritual Director Catholic Sabha Bondel Unit said, “Catholic Sabha is the face of our community in our society. The members of Catholic Sabha are the volunteers of the Catholic community who always spread goodness to the society which comes from Catholic principle, values and morals. At the same time in the community, they are like soldiers who are always ready to help the members of the Catholic community. The past 14 presidents and 13 secretaries were felicitated by the Guests on dais. The achievements of the past presidents were read by Mrs Juliet Dante & Mrs Prema.

 

 

In his address, Mr. Alwyn D’Souza, President of the Central Committee, stated: "As Catholic Sabha members, we are called upon to be positive change representatives, fighting for the rights and dignity of all of God’s children, regardless of their race, creed, or socioeconomic status. In a world full of unfairness and inequality, let us make an effort to be voices of conscience and ceaselessly work towards creating a society that is more compassionate and just for coming generations".

 

Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, the guest of honour congratulated the Catholic Sabha Members for continued success and fulfillment in all their endeavors, with the words, "May your work with the Catholic Sabha continue to bear fruit, and may you always find joy and fulfillment in serving others".

 

Catholic Sabha Bondel Unit honoured Mr. Felix Monteiro for his outstanding service and Mr. Stany Alvares, President of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy for his future endeavors.

 

Mr Stan Alvares said: "Together, let us celebrate the beauty and richness of Konkani language and literature, and let us work towards a future where Konkani shines brightly on the literary stage".