Kundapur, 27 Jun 2013 : The deanery-level Catholic Stree self-help-groups (SHGs) convention was held at Sastan parish hall, near here on Wednesday June 26.
Earlier, Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo of Udupi diocese, the diocesan Stree SHGs spiritual director and convention chairman Fr Fred Mascarenhas along with other priests celebrated the Thanksgiving Holy Mass at Sastan parish, here on Wednesday morning.
Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo inaugurated the convention during the stage programme by filling small measure-full of paddy into large measure, as per the tradition of coastal Karnataka.
Speaking on the occasion, Bishop said that he expects the women of Udupi diocese are forefront in every sphere. They got to be self sufficient and create better future for their children. In the past, the women were aspiring that their children to go abroad, but at the changed situation, now they aspire their children to become doctors or engineers, said Bishop Dr. Gerald. He appealed the gathering to encourage their children to pursue IAS, KAS and gain government jobs.
Kundapur deanery vicar Fr Anil D’Souza despite the society has given second status to women, the women of deanery Catholic Stree SHGs are surging ahead to get top status by their financial independence and discharging family duties very well, said Fr Anil.
The Stree SHGs secretary Janet Banz read the report. The treasurer Vinaya D’Costa presented the accounts. The spiritual director Fr Vishal Lobo presented mementoes to the dignitaries.
Fr Alphonse D’Lima and Fr Sunil Veigas felicitated the donors who contributed towards the cost of organizing the convention.
The women members of Kundapur unit sang the prayer hymn. Gangolli unit sang the welcome song. Kundapur deanery Catholic Stree SHGs president Cynthia D’Souza welcomed the gathering. Leena Tauro and Mabel D’Souza compered the programme.
Over 300 representatives were present at the occasion. Food was served to all.