Media Release

Mangalore, Nov 20: Catholic Priests Conference of India (CPCI) has announced that Fr Ivan Madtha of the diocese of Mangalore and four other diocesan priests of various parts of India will be conferred the prestigious "National Excellence Award 2011" on November 30, a citation and plaque, during the National Priests Conference of India, at Trissur, Kerala.

Fr Ivan has been chosen in recognition for his work as a magician priest, for the creative use of the art of magic for the promotion of the Kingdom values and for his great resilient enthusiasm in his mission even after losing one of his hands in a train accident. He had been nominated by several prominent individuals and institutions for this award. Fr Ivan was recently awarded the Daijiworld "Swabhiman" award for physically challenged achievers. Living at 'Vianney Home' at Kamkanady in Mangalore, Fr Madtha travels around giving retreats, value based talks, Personality development workshops and value based magic shows where required.

The last priest of the Mangalore diocese to get CPCI award was Fr John Fernandes in 2008.

The other priests awarded for 2011 are: Fr Davis Chirammel of the Archdiocese of Trichur, for his creative contributions for health care. Fr P J Jacob of the diocese of Belgaum, for his creative political ministry and numerous struggles for defending the rights of ordinary people. Fr Joe Pereira of the Archdiocese of Mumbai, recipient of Padmashri Award, a great Yoga Guru, for his prolific research and contribution in his area of specialization and for organizing De-addiction centers (Kripa Foundation). Fr Anand Muttungal of the Archdiocese of Bhopal for his great contribution in the area inter-religious peace and harmony and for empowering people politically and initiating services for the poor.