Photos: Akruthi Studio, Moodbidri
News: Wilson D'Souza, Saverapura
Moodbidri Jan 28, 2018: Catholic Sabha started in Moodbidri Deanery in 1992 - 93 celebrated its Silver Jubilee of installation in a grand manner at Alangar Church grounds on January 28, 2018. "Catholic Samajotsav" the mega convention of all Catholic people, displaying the unity and strength of the community was the highlight of this celebration.
The celebrations started by welcoming the Bishop of Mangalore and other guests at 3.45pm near the main entrance.
Bishop of Mangalore Aloysius Paul DSouza presided over the programme. Many leaders who gave able leadership to the community at various capacities were present. The prominent guests were community NRI entrepreneur Ronald Colaco, Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh Spiritual Director Rev. Fr. Mathew Vas, Moodbidri Deanery Dean V. Rev. F r. Paul Sequeira, MLC & Chief Whip - Karnataka Govt Ivan DSouza, MLA J.R. Lobo, Former Minister and MLA K. Abhayachanadra Jain, Zilla Panchayat Member Sucharitha Shetty , Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh President Anil Lobo and Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh President Valerian Fernandes.
The programme was inaugurated in a grand manner by Bishop lighting the lamp , Anil Lobo playing the traditional "Gumat" and Ronald Colaco blooming the arecanut flower ('bhingari'). Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh President Anil Lobo delivered keynote address on vision and future of Catholic Sabha.
Four achievers from Community who showed great achievement in their respective fields were felicitated on this occasion. They included Bishop Peter Sebastian Goveas - bishop of Bettiah Diocese, Bihar; NRI entrepreuner Ronald Colaco; DySP - Crime Record Bureau (CCRB) Mangaluru, Valentine D' Souza and IAS Officer Michelle Queenie D’Costa.
Catholic Sabha Moodbidri Deanery past spiritual directors and presidents who gave able leadership to the organisation in the past 25 years were honoured during this occasion. Parish unit presidents who tirelessly worked for the success of this big programme were honoured with mementos.
Social and political resolutions for the welfare of the community were presented by Silver Jubilee Committee Convener Gerald D'Costa Siddakatte which were unanimously accepted by the community.
Two community associations Entrepreneurs' Association and Agricuturists' Association were flagged off during this occasion by MLC Ivan DSouza.
Catholic Sabha Moodbidri Deanery president Harry Rego welcomed the gathering. Deanery Secretary Lloyd Rego presented past 25 years report. Manohar Cutinha Hosabettu delivered vote of thanks. Catholic Sabha past preisdent Andrew DSouza Palakda beautifully compered the programme along with Clotilda Miranda Paladka.
Food was arranged for all at the end of the programme. In all, it turned out to be an historical Catholic Convention, the sweet memories of which will be cherished forever.
More than 5,000 people participated in the program.