Catholic Sabha Day Celebrated with Devotion and Grandeur at Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte

By Maria Wilma Rego
Pics By Tolbert DSouza / Peter Lewis
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 27 Apr 2025: The Catholic Sabha Day was celebrated with great fervour and gratitude at Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte, Kallianpur, on Sunday, 27th April 2025. The day began with a solemn Thanksgiving Holy Mass at 8.00 am, Rev Dr Roque DSouza, the parish priest and the Catholic Sabha Spiritual director as the main celebrant, participated in large numbers by members and well-wishers, invoking divine blessings for the year ahead.

 

The Eucharistic celebration was followed by a grand get-together in the Church Mini Hall, above the Sacristy, at 9.15 am. The event witnessed the gracious presence of Rev. Fr Pradeep Cardoza, Assistant Parish Priest of Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur, who was the Chief Guest.

 

The program commenced with a melodious prayer hymn led by talented choir team, comprising Jyothy Lewis, Santhosh DSilva, Anitha DSouza, Royston Quadrus and others, setting a prayerful tone for the event.  Before proceeding with the scheduled programme, the gathering respectfully remembered Pope Francis who breathed his last on 21st April, 2025, by offering petals of flowers to his decorated portrait, as Mr Peter Lewis read out the words of tribute to late Pontiff…

 

 

 

 

 

Mr Elias D’Souza, former President of the Catholic Sabha, warmly welcomed all guests, each of whom was also greeted with a fresh rose as a token of love and gratitude.

 

A dignified lighting of the traditional lamp by the Chief Guest and other dignitaries symbolized the light of service and unity. Mrs Maria Wilma Rego, former General Secretary, presented a concise report on the Sabha’s activities from 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025. 

 

To mark 36 glorious years of the Catholic Sabha at Mount Rosary, incumbent President Prof. Archibald Furtado took the gathering on a nostalgic journey, recounting milestones and moments that defined the organisation’s journey. As a symbolic gesture of gratitude’s the outgoing team 2024 – 25, for their services,  its president Mr Elias DSouza was honoured by draping the traditional shawl and garlanding with fresh roses, by the guests on this occasion.

 

The Sabha proudly honoured most of the 18 Ward Gurkars for their dedicated service and specially recognized the former Presidents and Secretaries, presenting them with fresh roses in heartfelt appreciation of their leadership. The house also gratefully remembered and paid tribute to ex presidents who are in heavenly abode…

 

A key highlight of the event was the formal handing over of responsibilities to the new office bearers for the year 2025-26, led by Mr Elias DSouza handing over the baton to Archibald Furtado , the new President and his team of 16 other office bearers,  symbolising continuity and commitment.

 

Rev. Dr Roque D’Souza, Parish Priest and Spiritual Director, delivered an inspiring message, emphasizing the relevance of lay leadership in Church and society as he conveyed his best wishes to all present.

 

The Chief Guest, Fr Pradeep Cardoza, in his address, lauded the Catholic Sabha as the “Laity’s Face of the Church to the World” — as the talk was both inspirational and thought-provoking. He beautifully narrated the ’various type of members and leaders in any organisation and gave a clarion call to CS members  - not just name same, but  involve enthusiastically and participate, contribute and be a role model - as Mount Rosary Church Catholic Sabha is already proved in various aspects and always room for improvement...’. Truly it was a wonderful experience to listen to Fr Pradeep who boosted the spirit with his lively exchange of views....

 

Mr Reuben Rebello, President-designate, introduced the Chief Guest, highlighting his dedication and contributions. Mrs Margaret D’Souza, Secretary, proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the event.

 

The event was meticulously compeered by Mrs Pramila D’Souza, Joint Secretary, ably supported by Anitha DSouza, Tolbert D’Souza, Arnold Roche and others ensuring the smooth flow of proceedings.

 

A sumptuous breakfast was served to all attendees, enhancing the spirit of fellowship.

 

A delightful coincidence added joy to the celebration — it was also the birthday of President Prof. Archibald Furtado. The moment was made special with a cake-cutting ceremony and warm greetings from all present.

 

 

The event was graced by Mr Luke D’Souza, Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council, Mrs Rosy Quadrus – President Kallianpur Varado, Presidents of various pious organizations, few Convenors’ of 20 Ayogs, members of the Laity Commission, Labour and Inter-Religious Commission, and the Sisters of the SRA Convent, among others.

 

The ‘Catholic Sabha Day 2025’ will be remembered as a day of unity, reflection, and renewed commitment to the mission of the Church through lay leadership.