Media Release
Mangaluru, Dec 5: The Diocesan Pastoral Parishad of the Mangalore diocese felicitated the district award achievers recognized on Kannada Rajyotsava Day, November 1, during a ceremony held at the Bishop’s House conference hall on Thursday, December 5. This felicitation was part of the fifth meeting of the Diocesan Pastoral Parishad for the 2023–2025 term. Diocesan officials, commission secretaries, priests, heads of religious congregations, lay leaders, and other representatives were present.
The awardees were honoured in a meaningful manner. Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha draped them with shawls, vicar general Maxim Noronha adorned them with garlands, and pastoral parishad secretary John D’Silva, along with PRO J B Saldanha, presented each with a potted plant symbolizing growth and sustainability.
The awardees honoured included:
District Award Achievers on Kannada Rajyotsava Day
- Mercy Veena D’Souza, Bejai
- Herbert D’Souza, Cascia (absent)
- William D’Souza, Bendur
- Munitha Veigas, Bendur
- Ronald Martis, Kulshekar
- Ronald Fernandes, Permude
- John D’Souza, Sarapady
- Olavinahalli, Paneer
- United Friends, Bejai
- Dayanilaya Special School, Beltangady
- St Agnes Special School
State Rajyotsava Awardee
- Fr Prasanth Madtha (absent)
Karnataka Suvarna Mahotsava Awardee
- Prof Rita Noronha, Vamanjoor
In his address, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha praised the achievers for their remarkable contributions and highlighted the importance of their work in inspiring others. “Your achievements are a testament to the values of perseverance, commitment, and service. By recognizing your efforts, we aim to inspire others to lead lives marked by selflessness and excellence. May you continue to be shining examples of faith, drawing others towards purposeful living in the light of the Gospel,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, William D’Souza from Bendur expressed gratitude, saying, “I am overwhelmed by this honour and thrilled to see so many of our community members being recognized for their commendable service. I thank the diocese for this recognition, which inspires us to continue our work and motivates others to achieve and serve.”
The felicitation programme was compered by Fr Rupesh Madtha, editor of Raknno weekly, and coordinated by diocesan PRO Roy Castelino, who provided detailed introductions for each achiever during the event.